Swelling Four Months After Abdominal Liposuction? (photo)

All patients get swelling after liposuction.  My take is that most of the swelling subsides within the first 4-6 weeks after surgery.  Some plastic surgeons recommend compression garments to speed up the process and to prevent fluid collections (seromas).  After the swelling subsides, some patients are left with loose skin.  A small number of these patients will improve as the skin continues to contract during the first 6-9 months after surgery.  Some patients will need to undergo a skin excision procedure in order to remedy the problem.  The downside of a skin excision procedure can be the scar.  Unfortunately, we are yet to develop a sure fire way to tighten skin in these situations without excisional surgery.

 After four months you should not have too much swelling and pretty much be back to normal. In some locations patients develop a full collection known as Seroma,  this can be addressed in different manners. Another possibility is that you have some redundant skin, and this would also could be treated by possibly removing  some of the excess skin. After a abdominal edging is very important to follow the postoperative directions to prevent   complications  but even if you follow the directions you may still present some of the issues that we discussed above.  I would highly recommend you to get evaluated by your provider. 
Best, Dr. RG

This will require surgery , tummy tuck , to fix .  It needs precise skin removal, scar improvement, and liposuction to complete the etching.  This wasn't done properly to begin with.  I suggest you see a hi definition body sculpting expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Firm swelling after 3D, ultrasound or Vaser lipo can happen especially in men and women with fibrous fat. Flanks generally tend to be more fibrous. Treatment in my practice for this condition includes Steroid injections deep into the fibrous roll and ultrasonic massage.
Thanks for your question.

Dr. B

Hi and thanks for the question.I would follow your surgeons advice. Corticosteroid injections are a reasonable treatment option. Manual massage to the scarred areas may help as well. I would give it more time, however. You are still early in the surgical healing period.Best wishes,Dr. Vallecillos 

The posted photos demonstrate a rare complication of superficial liposuction with abdominal etching. This appears as a residual seroma turned scar like. The treatment for now is external ultrasound therapy and aggressive lymphatic massages for at least 4 months. When and if the tissue softens than consider a skin only abdominoplasty. Forget about the etching. Sorry for your complications

Some swelling can be permanent and I believe yours may be. It looks like you had etching to mimic good abs and you may have had Vaser or Laser.  Some of these procedures can lead to even longer periods of swelling than traditional liposuction so it is worth waiting as long as possible before any revision is considered. I think you may indeed need a tummy tuck type procedure, but a long scar is the trade off. I am always very conservative with any steroid injections as they thin tissues and can compromise healing at a later time. Get at least 2 opinions and it may be worth it to travel outside your area to the most qualified person available. Best of luck.

While it is understandable for you and your surgeon to remain vigilant, waiting for at least another two months is the best course of action.

It might be swelling, it might be fluid.  Hard to say without an exam.  If swelling should improve with time. Is it loose skin?  Perhaps.  Need an exam. Good luck,.

What is giving your abdomen a deformed look is the fact that your lower rectus belly (this is the area below your belly button) is not properly formed. You didn't have this preop and it wasn't created for you postoperatively. I would recommend a revision VASER liposuction to create the proper contour that will make your abdomen more harmonious.