Liposuction swelling - how long until it goes down?

After liposuction, major swelling may last for a month or two. The minor swelling can linger for several months after that. The skin contraction and shrinkage takes approximately 6-9 months to occur, meaning you may not see your final result/outcome for 6 months to one year after your surgery. The compression garment is to be worn for the first 4-6 weeks to assist in the skin contraction such that an even contour is achieved.
If you notice some hard or firm areas a few weeks after surgery, this is normal. You can gently massage the area with circular motions using a lotion to help expedite the softening process of the firm, calcified fat.
Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for any other liposuction related concerns.

You will see the results immediately. However, your shape and figure will continue to improve as your swelling decreases over the next several months. It can take 4-6 months for the swelling to settle down. I've even seen improvement in results at a year out!

I tell my patients that it takes 2 weeks for about 50% of the swelling, 6 weeks for 90% of the swelling to be gone and 6 months to a year for a final result. A compression garment needs to be worn for 6 weeks and the garment needs to be made more snug as you shrink. Lymphatic massages twice weekly will really help even the skin out and prevent rippling or other contour issues.
At 6 weeks the nerve endings will begin waking up and you might feel tingling, burning or electric shocks. These are known as parasthesias. All activity restrictions are lifted at this time as well. Expect to feel completely normal at 6 months with some minor changes ongoing until 1 year from surgery.
Remember it is a healing 'process' not a do it and done procedure.