Is this pouch from swelling or is there a chance this might be permanent? (photo)

Question

Hi I’m about 1 week post op from having liposuction and really concerned about this pudge I have under my belly button.. is this from swelling or is there a chance this might be permanent? I’ve been wearing my compression (faja) almost 24 hours a day. Please let me know..

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is too soon to tell what your final results will be. You have swelling, which can last 3 to 6 months after your procedure. It will take 6 to 12 months to see the final outcome.
I recommend following up with your physician about their suggested after care protocol. I have my patients wear compression for 3 to 6 weeks straight and then overnight for 3 to 6 months after their procedure. I suggest 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; truSculpt iD, Exilis, Forma, and Venus Legacy for additional skin tightening; and Cellutone / ZWave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance.
Ultimately, if you are unhappy with your results, please speak to your physician and ensure that he/she was a full body VASER Hi-Definition liposuction physician with extensive experience in contouring and body shaping -- and not just traditional fat reduction. You can always get a revision procedure by an expert if needed. Best, Dr. Emer

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello.
Great question. At 1 week post op you have yet to see your final results. Swelling is normal. It can take up to six month to see your final results. Keep following your surgeon’s post op instructions.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

MaryI appreciate your concern, however the area shown in the photograph most certainly is secondary to postoperative swelling. It is still very early in your recovery journey and it can take as long as six months for all swelling to resolve. Discuss your concerns with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thanks 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 lateer 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. 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.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are in early healing phase. Give it about 3 months and re evaluate. Please follow instructions from your PS

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

After looking at your photos it's hard to see but the real issue is that you are less than 2 weeks post op.Final resolution of the swelling can take monmths so heat and massage will help.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

looking in the mirror one week after liposuction it's not a good idea. It will take 3 to 6 months to have your final results. By six weeks you can take a peek and get an idea of what your final results will look like. At this point you are swollen for sure. Best, Mats Hagstrom M.D.

Melih Erogul, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi and welcome
to our forum!
Congratulations
on your recent procedure...The procedure of liposuction is an
"insult" to the soft tissues, resulting in swelling which will
initially totally obscure the operative result. The
purpose of a compression garment is to prevent bleeding and to control
swelling. We usually recommend its use for the first 4-6 weeks after the
procedure. 60-80%
of the swelling should subside within the first 6 weeks, with the remainder
slowly subsiding over 6-12 months.
As swelling is paramount one week after the procedure, there is no way of telling what is swelling and what is residual fat (if any). Be patient, allow the swelling to subside, and most likely the area will flatten.
Continue
followup care with your plastic surgeon...
Best wishes...

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