Why are my love handles so uneven?

Question

3 days post op ( tumescent lipo) and my love handles are very uneven. I emailed the doctor who did my procedure and she said that its normal. My only concern is my right love handle area has almost no bruising and zero pain, yet its huge. I can pinch it, jiggle it, play with it. Its fluffy and no tenderness. The left side is flat, bruised, and very tender. I cannot pinch it. The rest of my abdomen is very bruised and tender. Is there something wrong here or am I over thinking it?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

It
is too early to judge the outcome.  You may be doing too much.  If
you exercise and the swelling gets worse, you need to give it more time to
heal.  If you can do cardio with no additional swelling, then burn
calories and be patient.  It will take at least 6 months to see the final
results.

Reza Rod, MD · Answer

At 3 days post op, it is too soon to determine. It is my recommendation that you request an appointment with your surgeon to discuss your concerns and get a physical exam. Allow the surgeon to determine if these differences should be addressed.Otherwise, there is not much that can be done this soon after your procedure.Best of luck to you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

In my practice you would be getting lymphatic massage and hyperbaric oxygen treatments right now.  Based on your stretch marks you really don't seem to have been the best candidate for liposuction alone and I would not be surprised if you are a little uneven after surgery given the degree of skin looseness prior to your procedures.  Regardless, have patience.  It will take you weeks to months to see results. Best, Dr. Emer.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It's too early to know at this point. There is still a lot of swelling this early and swelling rarely occurs symmetrically. If you are really concerned then book an in-person follow up with your surgeon so they can reassure you. Best of luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Hopefully the fluffy nontender side was treated in surgery. You can ask your surgeon how much fat was removed from each side. Sometimes with liposuction, the bruising shows up a few days later. Hopefully, in a few more weeks, you will be more even.

Why are my love handles so uneven?

Answers (5)

Answer: Why are my love handles so uneven?

Answer: Why are my love handles so uneven?

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

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Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

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Why are my love handles so uneven?

Answers (5)

Answer: Why are my love handles so uneven?

Answer: Why are my love handles so uneven?

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

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