I am 4 months post op. How long does it take skin to tighten after Laser Lipo?

Question

Hi, I got laser lipo on my abdomen and flanks with ab etching. I got ab etching that gives you the 11 yoga lines, not full six pack lipo. I am athletic and lean and had a 27 inch waist before the procedure and now have a 25 inch waist. I am about 4 months post op and the results look great but I notice that the 11 ab definition goes away slightly a few hours after taking off my faja everyday. I am worried that the 11 line abs will only be visible only if I continue to wear my faja which after the 6 month mark I won't have to wear it anymore. Is it because my skin is still tightening? I still feel slight tightness in my abdomen and flanks after a few hours of having my faja off so maybe it's swelling? I appreciate any answers anyone may have! Thank you.

Barbara Padilla, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! At our practice we offer Smartlipo for fat reduction and skin tightening. Results can be seen as soon as 8 weeks; however final results are seen 6-12 months after the procedure because the skin tightening process is continuously occurring.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Liposuction results are final by three months.
There’s not going to be any further skin tightening.
It’s not uncommon for people to have better definition after wearing compression garments.
This is true, even if you don’t have liposuction.
The pressure of compression garments can Exsanguinate lymphatic fluid in the tissues creating better definition.
This does not mean that you’re swollen or are waiting for your results to show. 
Other providers may have different opinions.
I personally have never seen results changed after three months from Liposuction.
Personally, I don’t believe adding a laser treatment offers any significant skin tightening.
This is from firsthand experience. I wish I could be more optimistic, but I tend to lean more towards being honest even if it’s not fun to hear. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

I am 4 months post op. How long does it take skin to tighten after Laser Lipo?

Answers (2)