Swelling in areas not treated with Smart Lipo

I had Smart Lipo done on my inner and outer thighs and upper arms about 5 days ago. I wore compression bandages and have no swelling in the treated areas. However, my calves/ankles and forearms/hands have become enormously swollen. My calves used to be around 12.5 inches but they are now 16.5 inches. Is this normal? Will it eventually go away, and how long will it take? It's really hard to believe that it will right now and I am nearly in tears.

3 answers to “Swelling in areas not treated with...”

A: Post-op lipo questions

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after lipo is common. It is very common in the more dependent areas of the body that have been treated. Hands and feet tend to stay more swollen during the initial post-op period. In terms of your legs, you just want to make sure that it is swelling and not a deep vein thrombosis.... more

A: It is a response to surgery

By John P. Stratis, MD - Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon

Any type of trauma to the body (and Smartlipo is trauma) results in local fluid accumulation of fluid and total body accumulation of fluid. In areas where there is compression, the fluid is less likely to accumulate, so it tends to pop up in the other areas. Your body will eventually get rid of it... more

A: Swelling after Smart Lipo will go away

By David E. Berman, MD - Sterling Plastic Surgeon

It is not uncommon for women to retain fluid after surgery, and I am sure that is the explanation for your swelling. It will almost certainly go away, so be patient and try not to over-react.

Comments

dverebelyi
81 posts
8 Jan 2009

Don't panic, this is totally normal. Swelling goes with gravity...down. You should probably get a compression garment that covers from your waist all the way down to your ankles. This will likely start to go away at about two weeks but some residual (read mild) swelling can last several months. I would highly suggest starting some post surgical massage at about 10-14 days. Speak with your provider about who they recommend. You should seek a massage therapist that is well versed in lymphatic and post surgical massage.

aliu
109 posts
8 Jan 2009

The reason why you are swollen in the areas you noticed is because they are directly below from the areas you had SmartLipo treatment. Swelling is extra fluid being accumulated in the treated areas and fluid follows gravity laws and will pool/collect in the area directly below. In your case the swelling/fluid in your arms will collect in your forearms and the swelling/fluid in your inner thighs will collect in your calves. This is normal and will resolve on its own. Heal well & fast!