When signing up for liposuction, you are no doubt picturing smooth skin and contours. So if you find yourself looking lumpy and bumpy days out from surgery, you might start to panic. Do lumps after lipo mean you had a botched procedure? No! Or at least, not in most cases.
Lumps after Liposuction Are Normal
Lumpiness directly after liposuction is typically a result of fluid buildup — a completely normal response for the body to have after surgery of any kind. However, the way liposuction is performed amplifies this. The cannula used to suck out excess fat essentially creates lots of subcutaneous tunnels, giving fluid a place to go. Compression garments help to compress and eventually collapse those tunnels, reducing fluid buildup.
How Long the Lumps and Bumps Last
Don’t panic if you see lumps and bumps right after your lipo procedure. This is normal and should go away within 6-10 weeks in most cases.
This will vary between individuals. Most will find that they resolve within 6 weeks. Just keep in mind that if you don’t wear your compression garments as directed, this will extend your timeline.
How Can You Know if Your Lumps Indicate Bad Lipo?
Essentially, it comes down to if they go away or not. If you still have very significant lumps and bumps six weeks after your procedure and you wore your garments as directed, talk to your surgeon. However, if you are seeing improvement, keep giving it time. If you find yourself 10-12 weeks out from surgery and things have not truly smoothed out, this is the point when you should get concerned.
Are you interested in learning more about lipo recovery and what to expect after the procedure? Sit down with Dr. Campanile to discuss your concerns. Call our office at 303-345-7476 or use our contact form.
Author: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francesco Campanile is a cosmetic surgeon in Denver who is focused on body contouring and breast enhancement. Time and time again, the women and men who choose Dr. Campanile say that they’ve found “the whole package” – a doctor who cares deeply about the quality of their results and has the skill to achieve excellence.
