If I get lipo on my flanks will my waist get bigger with swelling and for how long?

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. 

Typically I find that patients start to enjoy their results by about two weeks.  Your will likely appreciate a change even after two days.  I find that it takes about three months to hit a stable appearance.  

Yes, you may have swelling, which can be variable and last 3-6 months after your procedure. To decrease swelling, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression. For best results with liposuction, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Dear Rob1701,swelling can occur after a liposuction, but it usually resolves within a few weeks. Your body will probably need six months to fully recover from the surgery. You should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Swelling from liposuction should never be larger than you are before the procedure. Even after 1 week you should see a little smaller waistline and after 1 month there should be a noticeable improvement. Remember it takes 6 months to get to final results.