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

Question

I am frustrated I was a prime candidate for tumescent Lipo. I went to the father of tumescent lipo Dr. Klein himself... I am 5'3" and weighed 128 pre op. I weigh the same now. I had the procedure on my abs and flanks. My measurements are the same or down by maybe a 1/2". My jeans do NOT fit! It is INSANE! How is this possible if he took 3 lbs of fat out of my body.... I still have a pooch, and still have fat rolls (or muffin top) WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON!!??

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

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.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

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.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

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".

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

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

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: No results after tumescent liposuction

Answer: No results after tumescent liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: No results after tumescent liposuction

Answer: No results after tumescent liposuction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.