Is It Normal Not to Wear Compression Garment in my Situation?

I had a body lift May 13, 2011 (one week ago today) and I did not have to get any liposuction or muscle tightening. My doctor said there would be minimal swelling and no where to put the drains so I also do not have drains. According to my scale, I am retaining approximately 25lbs of fluid?! Should I at least be wearing a compression garment? I am swollen to the point where I'm afraid my skin is going to begin stretching again =/

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swelling 1 week post-op compression garment

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by GK8402 in Highland, IL

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You need to call your doctor

You have too much swelling and I can tell that by the light reflection off your skin. You may have seroma or just swelling. At least you need compression garmet after clearance from your surgeon. Your doctor is in your side and needs to know your concerns.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Is It Normal Not to Wear Compression Garment in my Situation?

Thanks for posting the photos. You need immediate drainage either by needle aspiration or insertion of drain tubes. I mean like now! Call your chosen surgeon PLEASE.

Swelling after Body Lift and Compression Garments

There are no hard and fast rules as to wether a surgeon needs to place drains or use compression garments in certain operations. Some surgeons do and some don't. It is my preference to use drains after tummy tucks and body lifts since there is a large area of dissection and fluid collections are common. Drains do not eliminate seromas but do help to drain this fluid during the early postoperative period. I do not care for compression garments. Patients find... more