Immediately after liposuction, your stomach may still look big. That is because swelling is a normal part of the surgical recovery process. After any type of surgical procedure, the tissues naturally swell as they recover. Therefore, having a belly bulge after stomach lipo doesn’t mean the procedure hasn’t worked. Swelling can remain for several weeks or even months after surgery. However, once the healing process is complete, you’ll be able to see the full result of your surgery. Your stomach should look slim and toned.
Why Does The Stomach Swell After Abdominal Lipo?
Stomach lipo involves making tiny incisions in the abdominal area and suctioning out the excess fat. Although it is a relatively non-invasive surgery, it’s still a surgical procedure. Swelling is common after any kind of surgery.
During abdominal liposuction, the surgeon uses the cannula to suction fat out of the body. This tube makes tunnels beneath the skin as it moves backward and forward. After the procedure, fluid fills those tunnels. That is why swelling occurs post-surgery.
You’ll usually experience peak swelling on the third day after your surgery. Typically, normal swelling after stomach lipo disappears after three to four weeks. In some cases, though, it takes several months to subside entirely.
Why Do I Have A Stomach Bulge Months After Surgery?
If the healing process is over and you still have a belly bulge, there are a couple of potential reasons. These are four of the most common:
- You have sagging skin that a surgeon cannot address through lipo. Liposuction only removes fat, not skin. If you already have loose skin, it may look worse after liposuction. You may need a tummy tuck to improve its appearance.
- You have muscle laxity that a surgeon cannot address through lipo. Since lipo only removes fat, if you have lax abdominal muscles, this procedure cannot improve them. A tummy tuck is the best procedure to address this issue. It removes excess fat and skin while also tightening up the stomach muscles.
- You have visceral fat that a surgeon cannot remove through liposuction. Lipo procedures only remove subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat is deeper inside the body and forms around the organs in the abdominal cavity. You can only lose visceral fat through dieting and exercise.
- You have a seroma or hematoma. These are medical conditions and require help from a doctor to treat them.
What Can I Do To Address My Post-Surgery Stomach Bulge?
If you notice that you still have a stomach bulge after your liposuction surgery, there is no cause to panic! In most cases, the swelling goes down over time. You’ll typically see the final outcome of your lipo within six months. Therefore, if the bulge is due to post-operative swelling, be patient and wait it out. The swelling will go down eventually, and you’ll see your slim new contours.
Is it over six months since your lipo procedure, and you still have a stomach bulge? Then you may need to take action. Fortunately, the problem is still solvable.
- If the bulge is skin or muscle-related, a tummy tuck is the best option. A skilled cosmetic surgeon can perform an abdominoplasty to remove the excess skin and tighten the loose muscles. That can achieve the slim and toned look you desire.
- If the bulge is due to visceral fat, diet and exercise can help. You can only address visceral fat via weight loss. Therefore, the best solution is to adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular workouts and a healthy eating regime.
- If you have a seroma or hematoma, you must see a medical professional for treatment. Only a doctor can help treat and resolve this issue.
Can I Avoid A Stomach Bulge After Abdominal Liposuction?
Prevention is always better than cure. So, avoiding a stomach bulge after abdominal liposuction is always the best course of action. Some swelling is normal after stomach lipo. However, to ensure the swelling subsides quickly and you heal well, you should follow these tips:
- Follow the surgeon’s advice and wear compression garments as prescribed. Compression garments are vital to promote effective healing and to ensure you achieve the contours you desire.
- Avoid strenuous exercise at first. You should also avoid bathing and swimming to guard against infection. Your surgeon will tell you when you resume rigorous workouts and go in the pool again.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol until your surgeon advises you otherwise.
- When your surgeon gives you the green light, maintain a healthy body weight through eating healthily and working out regularly.
Choosing a skilled surgeon is the best way to reduce the risks associated with abdominal liposuction. A specialist like Dr. Su at ArtLipo can carry out a full assessment of your needs. He can determine if you’re a good candidate for lipo. Alternatively, he can tell you whether you need a tummy tuck to produce your desired effect.
