Still retaining water seven weeks after Liposuction. Is this normal?

Question

It's been seven weeks since I had liposuction on my chin and arms. I've been retaining water in my abdomen and legs ever since surgery. I'm not eating salt and have been running three to four times a week. My arms have hardly any swelling but my lower body is still retaining enough that I feel it in my clothes. Is this still normal seven weeks post surgery?

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

It can take several weeks to months to allow all of the swelling to resolve after liposuction. Also, the more active you are, the more fluid you may retain. Best to check in with your operating surgeon for recs. Good luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Fluid retention can occur for a number of weeks after liposuction part of which is swelling in the areas it'd been treated. Salt restriction along with your exercise is about all that is needed. Occasionally a refractory situation may be aided by a diuretic.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Liposuction takes several weeks to months for all swelling/retention to subside.  I always advise my patients to NOT get on a scale for atleast 3 months for that reason.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It's not normal that after doing lipo for those areas that you mention up are retaining fluid in your abdomen, but the processes of inflammation can be highly variable from one patient to another . I recommend you do lymphatic drainage massage on your belly and keep comprehensive girdle few weeks more.  Best wishes for you. DR . DERBY SANG CAPUTO .

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It can take up to 6 months, and sometimes even longer, to see the final results of lipo.  Some of the explanation for the prolonged period is that it takes that long for all the swelling to go down; ie, some "fluid" is retained.  So if it's still retained diffusely throughout the tissues, it can be part of the normal recovery process.If, however, it's concentrated in one or two areas (within the surgical site) then you may have a seroma.  These typically resolve on their own but sometimes do not do so.  In that case they may need to be drained (aspirated, a drain reinserted, etc).In any event, you should discuss all of this with your own plastic surgeon, who is best situated to assess your recovery and decide what, if any, intervention may be necessary.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf100

Still retaining water seven weeks after Liposuction. Is this normal?

Answers (5)

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