Swelling After Liposuction -3 Days Post-Op?

Question

From reading this forum i am awsre of the healing process & the time required post lipo. However i am worried that i now have a new crease above my belly button. Ihad large lipo 3 days ago on my hips, uppet & lower abdomen & chest. The result on my chest was immediately visible however my lower ab was & is badly swollen to the point where it looks bigger than pre-op. The Dr said he removed 4.8 litres & i know this is a lot, i am concerned that he has removed more from the upper ab than lower.

Robert Heck, MD, FACS · Answer

It is way to early to start being concerned about your final results. You are still very swollen and the swelling may be asymmetrical. These are all normal findings. You must wait at least 2-3 months before you start to see your results.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Swelling is  Maximum 2--3 Days After #Liposuction. Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However it may take 6-9 months to disappear completely. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly the process will proceed.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The swelling is maximal at this point and realize that the swelling at the bottom of the abdomen is always worse that at the top due to gravity.  Also, be on the lookout for fluid collections that can develop and make you lumpy.  Your plastic surgeon will be able to determine if you have fluid collections and these can be drained.

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

Hello Craig1980,

	First off, take a deep breath and remind yourself that your surgery was only 3 days ago- a lot of healing is yet to come, as you know.

	TIPS FOR YOU:

	1.  plan on about 2 weeks until you see a significant improvement in your swelling... 4.8 liters out of your body will create a lot of reaction in your body

	2.  all swelling travels "south."  By that I mean that gravity will push all of that extra fluid downward from your chest, upper abdomen to your lower abdomen and also into your groin and scrotum.  So, it is not unusual to see your lower abdomen looking fuller than your upper abdomen.

	3.  a compression garment and massaging will help moderate the swelling and can help you to feel more comfortable.  Some men will elevate the scrotum to help with swelling as well.

	4.  the belly button is like an anchor separating your upper abdomen from your lower abdomen.  Once the belly fat is reduced, there can be some skin laxity noted as a crease above the belly button or at the level of the belly button or in both places.  Massaging will encourage the skin to 'tighten' up as much as it can and also will help with remodeling the residual fat to maximize your shape, reduce creases and improve your contour.

	For all of these reasons, it is probably too early to determine what your final outcome will be.  Expect about 9 months to pass until you see the the end point.

	Thanks for asking!  Dr Ellen

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Pain, assymetry and swelling is not uncommon only 3 days out. The question is to what degree each is occuring. Time is the answer and expect to swell more before it gets better.

Swelling After Liposuction -3 Days Post-Op?

Answers (7)

Answer: Big Belly with Crease after Lipo- Why and What do Do? Ask Dr Ellen

Answer: Big Belly with Crease after Lipo- Why and What do Do? Ask Dr Ellen

Answer: Swelling after lipo 3 days post op

Answer: Swelling after lipo 3 days post op

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Swelling After Liposuction -3 Days Post-Op?

Answers (7)

Answer: Big Belly with Crease after Lipo- Why and What do Do? Ask Dr Ellen

Answer: Big Belly with Crease after Lipo- Why and What do Do? Ask Dr Ellen

Answer: Swelling after lipo 3 days post op

Answer: Swelling after lipo 3 days post op

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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.