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

Question

I want to get lipo on my flanks and look better for summer. If my waist will be bigger or the same this summer then I will wait until winter

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

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.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question. I recently wrote a textbook chapter on waist sculpting with liposuction. To clarify we call waist's the area between the hip and ribs in females and we call it flanks in males. The reason the name is different is that the shape is different (curve vs square). Having this done with a minimally invasive technique should get you optimized to enjoy your summer!

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Swelling after a liposuction

Answer: Swelling after a liposuction

Answer: Flank vs waist

Answer: Flank vs waist

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Swelling after a liposuction

Answer: Swelling after a liposuction

Answer: Flank vs waist

Answer: Flank vs waist

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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