I'm 5 days post lipo and I look no different. Will this change when the swelling goes down? The swelling looks like fat.

Question

The same amount of fat in my rolls are still here five days post op,I understand it will take 3 months for swelling to leave and improvement to show but I never had much fat there,my question is,will it be gone when the swelling goes away? Only 1.5 l were removed from arms,back,abdomen

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Swelling typically will reach its peak 3-5 days after your procedure and will likely persist for some weeks.  In addition to swelling, if your surgeon used the wet or tumescent technique there is additional fluid which will take time to resorb.  Finally, the skin does take a few months (as you stated) to heal down to its new contour.  So bottom line, don't panic!  Way too early to assess your result!  Happy holidays!

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.I wish there were a good way to make swelling go away faster (besides maintaining a healthy diet including protein, and wearing your compression garment) so patients could see their result quicker.  The only way to know what your ultimate outcome will be is to wait for the swelling to subside, and for your skin to shrink down.  Best of luck!

George Volpe, MD · Answer

Final results of liposuction may take 3 to 5 months to determine. There can be swelling and bruising initially especially in the first several weeks. There are many factors that can determine one's result from liposuction. The quality of the skin plays a role. The amount of fat that is accessible to liposuction is probably most important. Liposuction targets the fat that is just under the skin. If one has fat that is deeper to the muscle layer, it is not accessible and may persist. Your surgeon will help you determine what your expected results would be.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

With my hi definition techniques you look significantly different at 1 day post op (see yelp pictures).  However, most people who get traditional approaches may need to wait 3-6 months to see the full effect and at this time massage, compression, venus legacy/velashape radiofrequency treatments, hyperbaric oxygen and oral diuretics will help speed up the healing process.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi boodyconsciousThank you for your question.  You are to early in your recovery to see instant results.  Swelling is normal after liposuction.  Swelling subsides as you heal which can take up to 6 weeks for most of it to go down.  In terms of healing completely you might notice swelling throughout for up to 6 months.  Be patient.  Best of luck to you.

I'm 5 days post lipo and I look no different. Will this change when the swelling goes down? The swelling looks like fat.

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I'm 5 days post lipo and I look no different. Will this change when the swelling goes down? The swelling looks like fat.

Answers (6)

Answer: Post Liposuction Irregularities, Swelling -- Try Massage, Velashape or Venus Legacy With Your Compression

Answer: Post Liposuction Irregularities, Swelling -- Try Massage, Velashape or Venus Legacy With Your Compression

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.