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.

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

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

Answers (9)

Answer: 2 months after liposuction

Answer: 2 months after liposuction

Answer: Puffiness at 8 weeks

Answer: Puffiness at 8 weeks

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.