Bulges and lumpiness at 8 weeks post op smart lipo. Does my healing appear normal? (photos)

Question

Tomorrow marks my 8 week post op for smart lipo to upper and lower abdomen, flanks and lower back. I have bulges and lumpiness that looks smaller once I first take off compression garments in the morning (still wearing all most of the day and overnight) but by mid day and later, my stomach is back bigger (see day 21 pic). I noticed a couple lumps early on but I know it takes time to heal. 10 massages (lymphatic and deep tissue) and still no change. Does this seem normal? Suggestions please.

Mark Edward Hennessy, MD · Answer

Lumpiness after Liposuction is expected. If you follow your doctor's recommendations re your compression garment and lymphatic massage and exercise, then the uneven surface will resolve. After reviewing your photos, I believe that you will be very pleased with your new shape in a few months. Hope this finds you well.

Edgardo Zavala, MD · Answer

Although it seems that 8 weeks after your procedure you should be healed, it is very common to see results as late as 6 to 12 months sometimes. The swelling and healing process is very variable and some patients just take longer to heal. I would wait patiently and if after at least one year you are still concerned your surgeon should be able to address your concerns. Good luck

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You have what i call the "deflated balloon" look. you were not a candidate for liposuction alone, you should have had skin removed at the same time. the person who did your surgery left you with irregularities, scar tissue, and disproportion.  likely you have swelling which will 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. We start treatments 3-4 weeks after liposuction. If there is/was excess skin or laxity, you may have been a candidate for a tummy tuck and/or skin removal.  you are going to need a revision surgery for improvement. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  You still very early in your recovery from liposuction.  Lymphatic massage will help with the hard areas after lipo and the swelling. Final results take 6 months sometimes longer. Discus your concerns with your surgeon.

Robert W. Benson, MD · Answer

From the photos improvement is obvious, and any underlying lumps and bumps indicate areas still healing. With or without massage you will continue to see improvement for months to come, so for now remain patient. These inconsistencies will almost certainly gradually resolve.

Bulges and lumpiness at 8 weeks post op smart lipo. Does my healing appear normal? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Bulges and lumpiness at 8 weeks post op smart lipo. Does my healing appear normal?

Answer: Bulges and lumpiness at 8 weeks post op smart lipo. Does my healing appear normal?

Answer: Patience

Answer: Patience

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Bulges and lumpiness at 8 weeks post op smart lipo. Does my healing appear normal? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Bulges and lumpiness at 8 weeks post op smart lipo. Does my healing appear normal?

Answer: Bulges and lumpiness at 8 weeks post op smart lipo. Does my healing appear normal?

Answer: Patience

Answer: Patience

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

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