When can I expect to know my correct weight after lipo?

Question

I know lipo isnt a wt loss procedure. I dont need to lose wt. I am 65 " & 110 pre op. had lipo on my inner/outer thighs and medial knee. also had 420cc implants removed (considering -2#). He removed 2000L. At one week post op, I am 113# (so up more considering no implants). Does it take more than a few weeks to be close to my pre op wt? Do I need to eat less than before surgery to maintain & not gain (considering less activity now). Just want my prep weight! If I need to adjust my intake I can.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

It is common for patients to gain weight following liposuction due to swelling and fluid retention. You shouldn’t need to eat less, simply maintain healthy eating habits and begin your exercise routine again after the appropriate amount of time that your surgeon recommends. With tumescent liposculpture, as performed in our office, exercise can be resumed in a few days. After a few weeks to months you should see your weight drop again as the swelling resolves. Full results can usually be seen after 6 months. You will ultimately want to weigh a few pounds lighter than your pre-operative weight, depending on how much fat was removed.  If you maintain this weight and a healthy lifestyle, you will enjoy your results for decades!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure its for body contouring/shaping.  Results will be fully evident in 3-6 months.  Swelling is common after the procedure. Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I can understand your concern.  Despite the removal of your breast implants, liposuction will cause a fair amount of increased body weight as a result of swelling.  You should see your body start to rid itself of most of this water weight within 4-6 weeks of surgery.  Hang in there, I do not think that you need to adjust your intake at this point.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

You don't need to change anything. Maintaining excess body water after surgery is normal. As healing progresses this will be eliminated and your weight will drop accordingly.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

You are correct, liposuction is not a procedure to loose weight. It is normal to gain some weight following surgery due to your in activity and fluid changes that occur following surgery. I would recommend watching your diet during this postop period. It will take several weeks to 3 months before your weight will stabilize.

Ronald Levine, MD · Answer

Your weight gain is most likely a result of swelling. Please do not weigh yourself at this time, because you'll be surprised at your weight. Better to wait until 3-6 months after your surgery, when the swelling has mostly resolved. You should also know that you probably won't see a significant decrease in your weight, even with your implants removed. You may see a couple of pounds lost, at most.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal for your body to retain fluid in the areas of liposuction as part of the healing process.  It may take 3-4 months for the areas to lose the retained fluids.  As long as you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you should eventually see your weight below your pre-op level.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It can take a few months for your weight to equilibrate. This is often because of swelling which retains water.  Best of luck.

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS · Answer

Fluid retention after lipo is very common and can affect your weight. This can take up to 3-6 months to resolve. Be patient and discuss any concerns with you surgeon. Good luck!

Peter Kreymerman, MD, FACS · Answer

Between removing the implants and 2L of liposuction you theoretically should weigh 104 pounds (six less), but life doesn't necessarily work that way. Wait 6 weeks after surgery and keep a healthy lifestyle, then you will have your new norm.

When can I expect to know my correct weight after lipo?

Answers (11)

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