Swelling After Liposuction -3 Days Post-Op?

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.

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.

     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.

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

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.

Craig,

You recently underwent a large volume of abdominal liposuction only 3 days ago. The combination of routine post operative swelling and gravity is most likely the reason for this. I recommend that you wear your compression garment as advised, maintain good posture and follow up with your plastic surgeon next week. Because of gravity, the lowest point of the area that was   liposuctioned will resolve last. In you case it is your lower abdomen. 

At three days after abdominal liposuction,. you are probably very swollen. This will take several months to go away completely.