Why Do I Suddenly Look Pregnant After Abdominal Liposuction??

Question

I had abdominal/lovehandle liposuction two weeks ago and loved my results when I had my tape and compression garment taken off one week post op. My results have only been improving, however, today I looked under my garment and my stomach looks so bloated! It looks like I'm pregnant. Two days ago I had to take my compression garment off for two hours while the laundry was getting done. Could this be the reason? Is it possible that the fat came back?? thank you!

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question. Liposuction in
the first few weeks will result in mild pain, Swelling and bruising. Minimize
activities and use of a compression binder will help with the immediate
swelling.  Final results will take 6-12 months.  Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.   Best Wishes

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

The fat wouldn't come back, since it's been permanently removed. What you're seeing is swelling, and it will get better. Continue to wear your garment as advised.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	You are likely experiencing swelling which is part of the healing process ( a you should your surgeon to rule out seroma).  The swelling can take months to subside and even longer for skin to &ldquo;redrape".  At that point you will see the final results. 

	Best Wishes.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have sudden fullness after liposuction, you may have a seroma (fluid collection) or less likely a hematoma (blood collection).  In either case, you should contact your doctor and be seen.  They most likely can drain the fluid in the office with local anesthesia.  

	 

	Good Luck.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

The "sudden" increase in the size of your abdomen two weeks following liposuction may just represent normal swelling. This can persist for several more weeks or more before beginning to subside. Less likely though possibly, this could also represent an abnormal fluid accumulation known as a seroma; even rarer - a hematoma.

	You may want to discuss this situation with your surgeon.

Why Do I Suddenly Look Pregnant After Abdominal Liposuction??

Answers (8)

Answer: Fullness after liposuction

Answer: Fullness after liposuction

Answer: Significant increase of swelling noted at 2 weeks post liposuction

Answer: Significant increase of swelling noted at 2 weeks post liposuction

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Why Do I Suddenly Look Pregnant After Abdominal Liposuction??

Answers (8)

Answer: Fullness after liposuction

Answer: Fullness after liposuction

Answer: Significant increase of swelling noted at 2 weeks post liposuction

Answer: Significant increase of swelling noted at 2 weeks post liposuction

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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.