6 Weeks Post Op and Little to No Results from Tumescent Liposuction

At six weeks it is so early after the surgery that what you are describing is normal.  It takes 6 months to see the final results.

                  It’s not unusual for patients to have significant swelling
following tumescent liposuction. 
When patients have severe swelling following this procedure, it can be
difficult to see the benefits of liposuction.  In many cases, patients actually look worse immediately
following the procedure for this reason.

                  This
swelling occurs for a variety of reasons including disruption of the lymphatic
drainage and cellular injury in treated areas.  In addition the body’s response to any type of injury is to
retain fluid.  This often results
in significant weight gain in the immediate post-operative period.

                  The
majority of post-operative swelling resolves in 3 to 4 weeks, but it’s not
unusual for swelling to persist 3 to 4 months in some cases.  Compression garments, low salt diets,
exercise and massage can facilitate resolution of swelling.

                  It’s
important to be patient and have good communication with your surgeon.  Hopefully your surgeon can reassure you
and formulate a plan that will help minimize your swelling.

You are likely still swollen from the procedure and if 3lbs of fat were removed, you will see the positive benefit in time.  You need 6-8 weeks to see some improvement, and eventually 6-8 months.  Dr. Klein is very good at what he does and you should be satisfied after all is healed. Thank you for your question and good luck with everything.

There are 2 points that need to be made.  First you are very early after your liposuction and there is still quite a bit of swelling.  Second, based on your pictures, you have some separation of your rectus abdominis muscle that is referred to as DIASTASIS RECTI.  Liposuction can not fix your muscles, you may need to have your muscles tighten in the future to fix your "pooch".      

In the early stages of healing after liposuction, swelling takes hold and the area will behave as any bruise and will hold fluids until the inflammation subsides. Liposuction results take time and typically it will be three months until good results begin to show. The worst thing you can do is step on a scale the first weeks after as the fluid weight is sure to discourage you. Be patient and good results will come.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd

While it does take more than 6 weeks to see a final liposuction result, seeing no difference at all at this point is not optimistic for a satisfactory outcome. Usually some reduction is seen either immediately or in the first few weeks after surgery even if total swelling elimination takes much longer. Snce there is nothing to be done at this early point, I would wait until 3 months after the procedure and then return for a follow-up visit to discuss your concerns if they persist.

You traded away fat cells in exchange for temporary water and swelling.

Some areas of the body move along faster than others, and some tumescent techniques seem to facilitate quicker resolution too.

Six weeks is not close to your end point, no matter what technique was used. You will probably start to see those inches and pounds disappear in the next few weeks.  Don't despair. You are about to see the payoff!

We often suggest waiting at least four months before shopping for new clothes, because you will continue to "shrink" during that time.

It is reasonable to be concerned but you may want to give it more time. Depending on liposuction technique and swelling, it takes up to 3-6 months to see results. Discuss this with Dr Klein at your next visit.