Ridge and puffiness around belly button, 8 week post lipo (Photo)

Question

8 weeks ago I had lipo of the hips/flanks/abs. I am pretty fit, 36, no kids. About 1 week post op I got a ridge/puffy area around my belly button and it hasn't resolved any as the weeks pass. I wore my compression garment for 6 weeks, get lymphatic drainage massage 2x per week for past 5 weeks. Sent pics to my doc, he said to wait till 6 months post op& will revise then if needed. Based on my pics does this sound correct? Does this appear to be swelling or residual fat?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is very common to have bruising and swelling for weeks to months after liposuction procedures.  What is most important is that you follow your surgeons post operative instructions and continue compression.  If you are concerned, lymphatic massage and Velashape or Venus Legacy treatments can be used to improve the swelling and help the skin tighten.  My patients start treatments right away and it improves the long term results.  Speak to your physician if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Azita Madjidi, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

As the swelling goes down after liposuction, you may see irregularities appear due to several things. Either there are some areas of residual fat or, more likely the way the empty fat pockets where the fat was removed from, are healing and getting filled by scar tissue, collagen etc. So you need to at least wait six months to see what is what.Irregularities are pretty common. You need to see your surgeon to discuss it with him/her.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The periumbilical area will hold onto swelling longer leaving a donut appearance for many weeks. If this does not go away retreatment will be necessary.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

I advise my patients to wait a good 6 months to see their final shape after liposuction because it can take that long for all of the swelling to resolve. Continue wearing your compression garment and getting your lymphatic massage. You may also benefit from Venus Legacy treatments to help break down the scar tissue that often forms after liposuction. Of course, closely follow with your operating surgeon so he or she can monitor your progress. Best of luck for great results!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It can be swelling and it can be fat and it can be loose skin. At this point you need to give it time to heal. Good luck.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Please continue to do what you are doing. It may be swelling or residual fat or seroma or combination. If not improved can be done lipo after 6 six months to correct the excess fat

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

To obtain perfect results at times can be very trying. Your peri bb area of residual fat can be re liposuctioned after 3 months. But you can also try KyBella injections to the area in a off-label use...this will cost additional $1,500 for 2 sessions, btw.

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I am sorry that you are having concerns about your procedure
and thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your
concern and agree with your assessment.
The puffiness could be either a seroma (fluid collection), or excess fat that
was not removed. Continue using your garments and lymphatic massages, if you
feel that there is improvement.

Your Doctor is taking the correct
steps. Have an open conversation with her/him, as you progress with your
surgery.

Wishing you the best in your journey

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Puffiness around the belly button after liposuction is not uncommon. It is usually treated by conservative measures and using Topifoam or Epifoam underneath a compression garment for up to 3 months. It does take at least six months to see a final result. Touchups in this area are easy and using ATX101 or deoxycholic acid injections to mellt fat are quite effective. Best wishes.

Ridge and puffiness around belly button, 8 week post lipo (Photo)

Answers (9)

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