3 weeks post vaser hi def; confused?

Question

I had a vaser hi def on my stomach and flank 3 weeks ago, I did not have a lot to remove. I was expecting the swelling and all post surgery side effects but three days post op when I took off my foam to shower my results were amazing!! I was so happy, then 9 days post op after removing the foam my body got swollen few hours later and does not seem to get better. Been wearing a compression garment the whole time. My skin looks uneven and my tummy is a bit out. Is it normal? Is it fat?

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Photos would've been helpful. First of all, VASER Hi Def Lipo is a sculpting procedure and NOT a fat debulking procedure. It is best for patients with a BMI of 30 or less. The fact that you did not have a lot removed, tells me that you were in good shape for this highly technical surgery. Swelling after VASER lasts longer than with traditional liposuction, and the swelling gets better after the third week. It will take 3-4 months to see the final result. Unevenness of skin is a technical issue, will get better with time or might need to be addressed later. Lymphatic massage of the treated areas should be done (should've been started from day one) to help with the swelling and more uniform healing. Follow your surgeon's advice at this time. Good luck with your healing.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

HI KB1979,  Thank you for your question regarding VASER Hi DEF abdominal liposuction or liposketching.  Your post-operative course is very common.  Your abdominal wall and muscles are still healing.  Once the foam and compression garment were removed, there was no more pressure on your abdomen and your abdomen responded by swelling.  Please remember that the VASER Hi DEF liposuction is more aggressive than traditional liposuction and therefore, perhaps, may cause more swelling and a longer recovery than traditional liposuction.  Please consult with your plastic surgeon and follow his/her guidelines.  For my VASER Hi DEF patients, I have them wear their compression garment for 6 weeks, at minimum.  I would suggest using the foam for as long as possible.  I truly believe in lymphatic massage.  Seven days after VASER Hi DEF, I suggest 2-3 sessions of lymphatic massage a week for 3 weeks.  Depending on the patient, more may be needed.  During exercise, I would definitely suggest wearing your compression garment.  Good luck and keep focusing on the results you saw 3 days after the surgery.  If you have any more questions regarding VASER Hi DEF six pack or abdominal liposuction, please call my office.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello kb1979  Final results can be seen 2-4 months later as the swelling continues to diminish and contours become more defined. These contours can even improve throughout the year after surgery.You should visit or contact your PS about this concern. #postop #swelling

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this is normal. You can have swelling, which will fluctuate, for 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

Ravi Jain, MBBS · Answer

What you are describing is entirely natural and normal. The inflammatory process really kicks in by about the the end of the 1st week. Continual wear of the compression garment is good especially with the foam. I recommend 24/7 for 4 weeks and 12/7 for another 4 weeks!

Also, during that time I recommend frequent Manual Lymphatic Drainage massages to help with swelling and comfort.

Tough I know but it get results.

Also, during that time I recommend frequent Manual Lymphatic Drainage massages to help with swelling and  comfort.

Tough I know but it get results.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Would you describe is common.

At two or three days the swelling has not started yet and the compression garment has kept everything nice and snug.

At this point you're approaching the most swollen stage of your recovery.

Expect the results to slowly improve over the next 3 to 6 months.

Ideally results should be even but it's not uncommon for patients to see you uneven results, lumpiness or other imperfections turn early healing process.

By six weeks you'll have a much better idea of what your final results will look like.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom M.D.

3 weeks post vaser hi def; confused?

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