Six weeks post liposuction but same body fat percentage: Is this normal?

Question

I had a combination of ultrasound and power assisted liposuction on my tummy and flanks six weeks back. I am 5'1" and weighed113 lbs with 24% body fat before surgery. The doctor said he removed 2000 litres of fluid&fat. My weight and fat% still remains the same even after 6 weeks. Is this normal? I went to a board certified PS.

Jeff T. Healy, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having your surgery! I tell my patients that liposuction is a body contouring procedure and not necessarily a weight loss procedure.  It is normal to not see a big change on the scale especially early after surgery as your body is going through the healing process.We don't usually take post-operative photos until 3 months after surgery to allow adequate time for healing and for the swelling to resolve.  Your results should continue to slowly improve over the first year assuming you keep exercising and eating right.  Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon as he/she will be the best one to evaluate your recovery process.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I doubt liposuction is going to change significantly your body fat percentage. However it six weeks there will still be swelling in additional weight because of that swelling.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.Yes, it's normal. You're body should recover little by little as the swelling should go down eventually. This can take from 4-12 weeks to see actual results. Wear your garment and a couple of lymphatic massages are recommended after this procedure. Always follow your PS's post op advice.Dr. Campos

Anureet K. Bajaj, MD, FACS · Answer

Following any body contouring surgery, you may not see any changes on the scale.  The surgeon does remove the fat; however, following surgery, your body will retain fluid and have swelling as a normal response to stress which may actually result in a higher weight on the scale.  I usually advise my patients, that once the swelling starts to subside (which can take up to six months), they will more commonly notice a change in how their clothes drape or hang on their bodies.  Not all patients will notice a change in clothing size but some might.  At this point, I would advise you to be patient and to gauge your results on how you look as opposed to numbers on a scale.  Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Your weight may be the same because of many factors including due to swelling, lack of activity and exercise to name a few. Be patient usually patient's bodies equilibrate in a  few months.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

You should evaluate your results through photos and the weight that was taken at the office where you had your procedure.

Six weeks post liposuction but same body fat percentage: Is this normal?

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