4 Weeks Liposuction Post Op., Am I Still Swollen Or Are These My Final Results?

Your history strongly suggests
the presence of significant residual swelling. Patients undergoing liposuction will inevitably develop swelling
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, which causes swelling.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 for 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 liposuction.In
your case, your swelling is probably normal and should resolve with time.Compression, massage, ambulation and low-salt
intake will hopefully help you get there sooner.

Thanks for your question. Healing after liposuction is usually pretty straight forward.  There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The lateer phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient. 

Thank you for submitting your question.  A photo would be helpful.  Your only 4 weeks after surgery.  Swelling after liposuction will last for many weeks after surgery.  Final results take 6-12 months. Continue to use your contour garment, minimize activities, and lymphatic massage help with the swelling. Discuss your concerns with your Plastic surgeon.

Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However it may take 6-9 months to disappear completely. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly the process will proceed. See your plastic surgeon and let them know any concerns you have.

Recovery for liposuction is relatively quick, but bruising and swelling can remain up to two or four weeks. Residual swelling lasts for several months, but it's usually not very apparent. See your surgeon to discuss your results.