Why does my stomach feel squishy like there's water inside after lipo? (Photo)

Question

4 days post op, had lipo full stomach, flanks and back. Feels like there fluid in stomach area, is this normal ?

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You may have swelling and fluid retention. Swelling in the first week after liposuction is quite common. It's best to follow your surgeons specific advice post-operatively. We typically have our patients wear compression garments on the areas we did liposuction to help the skin and underlying tissues re-adhere as well as reduce swelling. However, if you garments are too tight they can restrict lymphatic drainage and blood flow leading to more swelling and complications. I'd highly suggest you contact your surgeon's office regarding your plan. Best of luck!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello SKJGBC You should visit of contact your PS about this concern for a physical examination. #stomach #post-op

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
It is not unusual to have a lot of swelling and feeling of fluid inside at this stage. Usually it goes away over the next several days or weeks, unless you get a persistent fluid build up (Seroma). Please have your Plastic Surgeon examine you and reassure you. All The Best !

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to tell from your pictures, but this could be swelling or a seroma. I recommend following up with your Doctor for a formal evaluation. You will have swelling, which can last 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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear SKJGBC,it is hard to tell without an examination. Symptoms you are describing can be caused by seroma (fluid collection). If you are concerned you should consult your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Why does my stomach feel squishy like there's water inside after lipo? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Possible Seroma after Liposuction & After care includes RF treatments (Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra) Cellutone/zwave

Answer: Possible Seroma after Liposuction & After care includes RF treatments (Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra) Cellutone/zwave

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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Why does my stomach feel squishy like there's water inside after lipo? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Possible Seroma after Liposuction & After care includes RF treatments (Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra) Cellutone/zwave

Answer: Possible Seroma after Liposuction & After care includes RF treatments (Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra) Cellutone/zwave

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

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.