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Is This Over-the-Top Post-op Liposuction Care?

asked 1 year ago by mfromboston in Framingham, MA
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 137 times
Tags: follow-up

Lipo done on upper/lower abs, flanks and back.Office requires patients come in everyday for the 7 days following procedure for massage and needle aspiration(even with the open drains).The massage for the first few days was very painful.After the first 7 days I was required to come in twice a week for needle asperation and now 3 weeks later the same thing.I had one seroma, which was treated, however is in necessary to use needles to continue to drain fluids in lower abs?

7 answers to Is This Over-the-Top Post-op Liposuction Care?

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Seroma after liposuction

Seromas are collections of fluid that can occur, although not very common, after liposuction.  If they do occur, then the post-operative treatment you discuss is appropriate.  In addition, usually, compression garments are  worn in addition to the other treatments received.
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Is daily post-operative care after liposuction over-the-top?

It certainly appears from your description that this is more post operative care than is the general rule. As mentioned by Dr. Tholen, compression is crucial in the immediate post operative period to obliterate the surgical tunnels and to prevent swelling. Usually I leave the compression garment in place for 3 or 4 days for that very purpose. Again most surgeons close their incisions regardless of the technique used and seroma, as a post operative complication, is not very common. This... more
+1

Daily visits and needle sticks after liposuction--is this normal?

Most plastic surgeons who are experienced in liposuction (regardless if it is ultrasonic, power-assisted, SmartLipo, water-assisted, etc.) understand that in removing the fat, tunnels are created in the tissues. Pads and compression garments are utilized to compress these tunnels so that blood or serum does not accumulate and turn into ridges of scar tissue, and to allow the tunnels to collapse and heal together in a more compact form, which is the reason liposuction is done--to reduce the... more
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Intensive Post Liposuction Care

Post liposuction massage is an excellent method to reduce swelling and inflammation after liposuction. Most practices do not offer this service unless it is built into the initial surgery price or an additional fee is charged for the post op massage. Most surgeons do not use any drains for liposuction procedures and seromas are very rare after liposuction. The fact that you have had both drains and needle aspiration confirms your seromas. As long as you continue to accumulate seroma... more
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Is This Over-the-Top Post-op Liposuction Care?

If only my patients would be so compliant! I love the care you are receiving, seems like a very caring surgeon. Wants you to achieve the "best" results possible. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth! From MIAMI  PS: postoperative care is solely patient dependent.
+1

Numerous postoperative visits following liposuction

This is definitely "over the top" postoperative care for your liposuction, requiring far more visits than most plastic surgeons require but it is far better than the oppositve - having minimal follow up care. Your plastic surgeon wants to keep a close eye on you and make sure that everything progresses as desired - which is important. You should be approaching the end of your intensive postoperative visits soon!
+1

Seems to be more care than the average

Hard to criticize such diligent care (unless being charged extra for it), but i think it's fair to say that, barring complications, it represents more followup visits than the average practitioner would require in the same setting.

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