Liposuction Abroad Without Aftercare: What Can Go Wrong (and How to Fix It)

In the first few weeks of my practice back in Singapore, I met two patients who had both undergone liposuction overseas - each with very different experiences, but a shared problem: a lack of proper aftercare.

Case 1 - “I had difficulty breathing”

The first patient had undergone rib contouring combined with abdominal liposuction. She was still an active smoker and had flown home just one day after surgery, without any clear instructions on how to care for herself.

When she reached out about ten days later for stitch removal, she described difficulty breathing and being unable to lie flat for days after the procedure. It seems that no one had explained to her that by reshaping the ribs, her ventilatory mechanics - the way the chest expands with each breath - had been altered.

This combination of early travel, smoking, and limited postoperative guidance made her recovery far more challenging than it needed to be. With clearer guidance and structured follow-up, recoveries from such newer procedures like hers can be made much smoother and more reassuring.

Case 2 - Learning from the first time

The second patient was actually someone I’d treated before. After her first abdominal liposuction (done abroad as well), for some reason she was told not to wear compression garments until stitch removal two weeks later. This left her with much swelling and discomfort.

When she went back for round two of liposuction of the thighs, she took that experience to heart. She insisted on wearing compression garments immediately this time and felt much better. When I reviewed her after returning to Singapore, it was clear though that her garments were ill-fitting and her swelling still persistent.

I referred her for proper refitting of the compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage, both to help with her comfort and recovery.

Interestingly, her pattern of swelling and tenderness was very suggestive of lipedema - a chronic condition of fat distribution that often masquerades as weight gain or localised fat excess. If properly diagnosed, this could potentially have been treated under Medisave and/or insurance locally, rather than pursued as a cosmetic procedure overseas. Unfortunately, many patients are unaware of this distinction and travel abroad in an attempt to save costs.

Why Aftercare Matters

Liposuction is more than just fat removal - it’s a controlled injury that relies on guided healing for a good outcome. Even technically excellent surgery can be undone by poor aftercare.

Structured follow-up ensures that:

• Swelling and seromas are caught early

• Compression is even and supportive

• Fibrosis or contour irregularities are minimised

Without that, recovery can feel confusing, painful, and unpredictable - especially for patients who have travelled far from their original surgeon.

What Can Be Done Locally

For patients returning to Singapore, a local review helps ensure everything is on track. A simple assessment can often distinguish between normal swelling after surgery and something that needs attention. In some cases, refitting of compression garments or referring on for specialist aftercare (like manual lymphatic drainage) can dramatically improve comfort and contour.

Through Doctor Stitch, our role goes beyond simple stitch removal. We aim to provide comprehensive aftercare - reviewing healing, garments, and recovery progress - because many returning patients have no idea where to turn to for help and support. It’s not just about removing sutures; it’s about helping your surgery heal well, safely, and confidently.

Takeaway

Good liposuction results depend on more than just the procedure itself - they rely on thoughtful aftercare, consistent follow-up, and the right recovery environment.

If you’ve had liposuction abroad and are unsure how your healing is progressing, seek an early review. A careful assessment by a plastic surgeon can often make all the difference - not only for safety, but for peace of mind.

Written by Dr Ng Zhi Yang, Singapore Plastic Surgeon, and Founder & Medical Director of Doctor Stitch, a specialist-led cosmetic surgery aftercare service.