Dizziness Normal After Taking Compression Garmet off Day 2 of Smart Lipo?

    Dizziness from the release of pressure of the garment 2 days after liposuction that is alleviated by lying down is likely a vasovagal response that sometimes people can get.  It is the same phenomenon that occurs for patients who fear needles and faint at the site.  The cause is different, but the result is similar.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Thanks for your question.  It is quite common to get dizzy the first time you remove your garment 2 days after Smart Lipo.  You may be a bit dehydrated after your procedure and so your blood pressure may drop the first time you remove it.  Make sure you drink lots of Gatorade or vitamin water to stay hydrated and replenish your electrolytes.

Sometimes patients have a vaso-vagal response early after surgery when they are dehydrated, etc..  That's most likely what happened but it is a good idea to check with your surgeon.

We advise our patients to sit down while taking the compression garment off; then take a shower and let the water rinse off the gauze pads. This way it will be easier for you to remove the garment without getting lightheaded.

It is not unusual to experience dizziness following smart lipo especially after removing the compression garment for the first time.  The decreased pressure of garment removal combined with the warm shower water probably causes a vaso-vagal effect.   The nervous system causes the veins to dilate and this results in decreased blood pressure.  This effect will decrease over time as you heal but be careful for the next couple of weeks when you remove your garment.  Best wishes.