Liposuction swelling - when does it peak? I'm day 4 post op, and I feel like I look fatter than day 2

Question

Liposuction swelling - when does it peak? I'm day 4 post op, and I feel like I look fatter than day 2 post op - less toned, bulged more at sides..I was really happy with how I looked day 2, now I'm worried things are taking a downturn. I don't feel as sore, so it makes me think like swelling should be going down if I don't hurt as much, but I look worse.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Mgy2018,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a liposuction surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery. In most cases, patient have significant swelling shortly after liposuction (first week) which improves with time. . 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! It’s to soon in order to see any result. You still early on the healing process, it takes up to 6 month to see the final results. I recommend my patients to try the lymphatic massages and use the compression garment 24/7 for the first 3 month.
Be sure to follow up your post operative instructions and with your Plastic Surgeon.
Best Luck!
Dr Quiroz, MD

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It takes weeks to heal from liposuction, have patience and follow your post care.  If you are unhappy with your results please speak to your physician and ensure he was a full body VASER HD liposuction physician with expensive experience in body shaping and not just traditional fat reduction.  At this point you should be using compression, RF treatments like venus legacy / exilis ultra / inmode forma or contoura and lymphatic to get you through healing.   We always add shock wave therapy such as cellutone, z wave, and eclipse evive to help prvent scar tissue formation and ensure an even and smooth result. It will take 6-12 months to see the final outcome.   If you are unhappy you can get a revision procedure by an expert in VASER HD lipo.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Swelling is normal a few days after liposuction, it gets worse a few days after surgery before it gets better. The swelling resolves differently for different people, you can expect to be swollen for several more weeks but most of the swelling should be gone after about 6 weeks. Be sure to follow your post operative instructions. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The swelling is maximal at this point and realize that the swelling at the bottom of the abdomen is always worse than at the top due to gravity.  Also, be on the lookout for fluid collections that can develop and make you lumpy.  Your plastic surgeon will be able to determine if you have fluid collections and these can be drained.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Francesco Campanile, MD · Answer

It’s completely normal to feel more swollen by day 4. This is when fluid shifts and inflammation typically peak after liposuction. This stage can make you look or feel “puffier,” but this is part of the normal healing process. Over the next several weeks and months, swelling should continue to improve and your results should continue to develop. Consistently wearing your compression garment, taking short walks to promote circulation, and elevating treated areas when possible all help to reduce swelling.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
I suggest my patients to try the lymphatic massages and to use a full body compression garment, 24/7 for the first 3 months, and after that, for 12 hours a day for 3 more months, to get the best results.
It is important for the compression garment to be very tight, for it to help with the swelling, after surgery. Please, follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

48 hours is a good time to get a sneak preview of what your final results will look like. Patients typically swell substantially over the next few days.  Expect to be swollen for the next couple of weeks. By six weeks you results will probably be 80% final and by three months final or very close to final. If at all possible try not to stare obsessively in the mirror during the next couple of weeks it serves no purpose and gets people upset. Looking at yourself will not change your results. If you were happy on postop day too then you will probably be thrilled with your final results.  I suggest getting on the scale every day and make sure you don't gain any weight.  It can be tricky because people will gain weight from the swelling and this takes weeks to go down.  You should be able to calculate what your weight should be based on the amount of fat removed.  Patients sometimes drift back to their preprocedure weight which means they've technically gained weight. The best results are often obtained when patients loose some weight on their own after the procedure. Be patient and follow up with your provider. Best, Mats Hagstrom M.D.

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