How Long Does it Usually Take for Swelling to Go Down After Liposuction?

Question

I am planning on getting liposuction of my hips, thighs, and knees. My PS said he could probably remove around 5000cc and he's closing the incisions. I know I will need to wear the compression garment for 4 weeks. I'm concerned with post-op swelling and was wondering how long after the procedure will it take to fit into my pre-op pants? I have a few family events shortly after(within 3-4weeks) and I'm not sure if I will be able to fit into my normal clothes. How long until I can see changes?

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

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. You should be able to fit into your normal clothes by 3-4 weeks.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Wear your garment day and night for 3 weeks, then another 3 weeks in the day only. However, please listen to your surgeon for their instructions.The final result of liposuction can usually be assessed at 3-4 months. Unfortunately, you may still be affected by swelling for your family events, although it is difficult to say by exactly how much. You can always wear your compression garment underneath your clothes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	Swelling is part of the healing process.  I ask my liposuction patients to wear a compression garment for 4 weeks post op surgery to help with the swelling.  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 Hansen, MD · Answer

With almost all tumescent tech liposuctions you swell for 3-4 days but you aren't normally any bigger than you were before the liposuction.  At 1 week you are just starting to get alittle smaller already and at 1 month you should see a big difference in your size already.  You will continue to shrink each month and the end result will be usually seen at the 6 month period. Your normal clothes should fit ok throughout the whole process.  Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

David Amron, MD · Answer

Initial swelling is 2-3 weeks. To help expedite this, we recommend lymphatic drainage and ultrasound massage starting one week after surgery about 2-4 times over 2 weeks. Additional swelling can take 3-4 months to resolve with final results seen around 6-12 months.

How Long Does it Usually Take for Swelling to Go Down After Liposuction?

Answers (9)

Answer: At 1 week post op you should already start to be alittle smaller than before the liposuction.

Answer: At 1 week post op you should already start to be alittle smaller than before the liposuction.

Answer: Swelling After Liposuction

Answer: Swelling After Liposuction

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How Long Does it Usually Take for Swelling to Go Down After Liposuction?

Answers (9)

Answer: At 1 week post op you should already start to be alittle smaller than before the liposuction.

Answer: At 1 week post op you should already start to be alittle smaller than before the liposuction.

Answer: Swelling After Liposuction

Answer: Swelling After 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.