Is swelling after tumescent lipo normal?

                  Patients
undergoing tumescent liposuction will inevitably develop swelling and pain
following this procedure.  During
the procedure, the liposuction cannula is passed through the subcutaneous
tissue.  This causes disruption of
the lymphatic channels and cellular injury.

Significant improvement in swelling
can be seen in the first three weeks following surgery, with the majority gone
in about three months.  Small
amounts of swelling may persist up to a year following surgery.

                  We
generally recommend the use of compression support garments for about three
weeks following surgery.  We also
recommend a low salt diet before and after liposuction.  Exercise is usually started early in
the post-operative period, and we want patients to ambulate as soon as possible
following surgery.

Massage is also helpful, it
decreases swelling by mobilizing retained fluid following liposuction.  All of these steps help to minimize the
duration of swelling following surgery. 
In your case, pain and swelling are normal and should resolve with
time.  Compression massage
ambulation and low salt intake will hopefully help you get there sooner.

I sounds like you are recovering normally, although you should see your surgeon if you are very concerned about the pain. The final result can usually be assessed at 3-4 months, so please wait until then. In the meantime, follow your surgeon's post-surgery care instructions closely.

Thank you for your question.

At 5 days post op  It is much too early to evaluate the results of your surgery.

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 “redrape".  At that point you will see the final results. 

Best Wishes.