Why is There So Much Swelling After Vaser Lipo? Why Does It Take So Long to See the Final Results?

Many studies indicate that there is less injury to the body with Vaser than with traditional #liposuction. Recovery from Vaser Liposuction is based on the level of soreness and bruising experienced by the patient. But, it can vary among patients. As with traditional liposuction, there are no large incisions  or effect on the muscle and other underlying tissue. Therefore, #healing time may be less than anticipated by most. Therefore, Vaser patients may experience less #pain or discomfort, #swelling (#edema) and bruising post procedure due to the nature of the technique.  
A quicker #recovery for a patient may be two to three weeks without any strenuous activity. This includes the short period of suggested rest of 12-24 hours soon following the procedure. #Exercise and activity are contingent on how the patient feels. Mild activity is not likely to hinder recovery or healing or create problems with recovery.  However, it is recommended to acquire your doctor's permission to do so. Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!!  The final results of the procedure are typically most noticeable 2-4 months following the #Vaser. So, you must have patience. The swelling will gradually diminish while the contours of the treated area(s) can continue to improve up to one year post procedure; becoming more apparent in appearance. If you have concerns about your healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined. 

Swelling can persist for 6 months and sometimes up to 1 year following liposuction.

 

 

 

Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question.

Swelling after any kind of liposuction is common, it takes various time to subside depending on the amount of fat removed, areas treated ( legs swell more and longer than abdomen).

In our clinic we have done a study to determine how long swelling lasts following Vaser some of patients it took 42 days.

Wearing a correct compression garment and lymphatic drainage massage are important.

Initially most patient will gain weight due to fluid retention, but you have to remember that Vaser is not for weight loss but rather for body reshaping, so once you healed you will probably not be much lighter rather better shaped.

Consult your surgeon with any of your concerns.

Being that you are one week out from vaser liposuction, it is most likely normal swelling that you have.  If concerned, see your surgeon.

Good question and understand your frustration as you were certainly having this procedure to be smaller.  Main causes are swelling from the procedure as well as the fact that large volumes are placed in the treatment areas at the time of the procedure which allow the Vaser do function.  This combination of swelling and mobilization of fluids given into the areas (as well as possibly IV fluids if performed in an OR) just take time to dissipate.  Large asymmetric bruises consistent with a hematoma could be cause for concern, but most likely it represent part of the normal healing process.  If you are worried, contact your plastic surgeon to schedule a post op check. Best of luck.