Is it normal for my stomach to swell up after liposuction on my flanks?

Question

Is stomach swelling normal after flanks lipo? I didn't have an issue with my belly prior to surgery and I now seem to have a little pooch. Should I be worried? I am 6 days post op. Help please?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be typical as the fluid is pulled down by gravity. Swelling can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Flank liposuction will give you a smaller waistline and is the main reason for doing it. Swelling adjacent in the abdomen can persist for 6 months and sometimes up to 1 year following liposuction. Follow your PS's post operative guidelines and wear the compression garment.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Healing after liposuction is usually pretty straight forward.  There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The later phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient. We typically have our patients wear compression garments on the areas we did liposuction to help the skin and underlying tissues re-adhere as well as reduce swelling.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is still very early in your recovery process and is normal to have swelling. It is not uncommon to have swelling in stomach after liposuction to flanks. Lymphatic massage and wearing your compression garments will help decrease swelling. It can take 3 months sometimes longer for swelling to resolve and to see your final result. Recovery is never as quick as we would like but the results will happen.  Best of luck to you. Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS

Anthony A. Admire, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes swelling is typical after lipo - however you might be describing what's known as a seroma. If this swelling suddenly showed up or got progressively larger, or you can feel fluid under the skin, then please notify your surgeon right away. Also, the extent of the lipo, type of technology used all influences how quickly/slowly you heal. Hopefully you are using some type of compression garment as well.

Roberto Gonzalez, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for swelling to happen in an area closed of what had liposuction.  Fluid may shift from area to area, it is important to keep wearing your compression garment. Also you may consider lymphatic massage to help improve the area quicker.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sangel,abdominal swelling is not uncommon after liposuction. It can last for months after the surgery. We offer complimentary Venus Legacy Radio Frequency Treatments after liposuction to help with fluid mobilization. I would suggest you to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Stomach is next to flank and it can swell. Please follow instructions from your PS and discuss this with your PS

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

You can definitely experience swelling of your abdomen following liposuction of your flanks. Typically, most of this should resolve within 3 months though it can take longer. You are only 6 days postop - very early in your healing process so be patient.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Liposuction can create significant amounts of welling that can last up to 6 months.  Compression and lymphatic massage all help to reduce the swelling.

Is it normal for my stomach to swell up after liposuction on my flanks?

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