4th day post op from Smart Lipo. Did I sit too long?

Question

Swelling up like a puff fish, this early evening. I did go back to work today; did I sit too long? Should I be walking, drinking lots of water...lying down what?

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to review the recovery guidelines and expectations.
Best wishes,

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello penelpek   Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However it may take 6-9 months to disappear completely. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly the process will proceed. #post-op #swelling

Calvin Jung, MD · Answer

Hi,It is fairly typical for patients to get swelling about 3-5 days post op and the results that you saw on day 1 seemed to have disappeared.  Rest assured it is the body's lag phase and that the swelling will dissipate over time.  Compression garment, and lymphatic massages will help with fluid drainage.  Hope this helps!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be typical after Smart Lipo. You will have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. Lymphatic massage and venus legacy treatments can give improvement. Keep in mind, Smart Lipo needs a combination approach to get the best results. I recommend adding thermage, ultherapy, exilis. VASER liposuction in combination with ThermiRF is an alternative for contouring the chin, but would require more downtime. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

M. Dean Vistnes, MD · Answer

The lumpiness, swelling, itching and hardness after a surgery like you had typically persists at least 8 weeks after the surgery then slowly goes away. In my experience, daily massage of the hard areas makes the biggest difference in getting rid of it sooner rather than later. Staying away from salt will make a big difference in swelling. It can easily take 6 months or more to see results. Be sure to keep any scheduled follow up appointments you have with your surgeons for his evaluation and advice. Hope this helps.
Dean Vistnes, M.D.
Vistnes Plastic Surgery 
San Francisco Bay Area
#liposuction #drdeanvistnes #realself

Gordon Andan, MD · Answer

You're doing everything right: drinking plenty of water, staying mildly active, following your surgeon's instructions for wearing your compression garment. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and isn't cause for concern in and of itself. If you have pain, feel warm and feverish or notice any other troublesome side effects, don't hesitate to check back in with your surgeon for a follow-up.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is normal to still have swelling. You are early in your recovery. Drink plenty of water, walk around and continue to wear your compression garment. Contact your surgeon with any questions or concerns. Best of luck!

Elena Vega, DO · Answer

It is very normal to swell a few days following liposuction. The most important thing to do is wear your compression garment as instructed.  I always like to warn my patients ahead of time of the swelling which will occur so they don't get worried.  When you see your surgeon for your post op you can discuss the swelling and receive reassurance.  During this same office visit a quick physical exam will determine whether or not anything else is going on.   If anything happens outside of what you were told to expect you should contact your doctor and be seen.  I wish you all the best with your healing process.

Renata Wix-Harris, MD · Answer

Don’t worry, swelling after SmartLipo is completely normal and is usually peak around the end of the 1st week and then gradually improves over the next weeks. Around 1 month about 80% of the swelling has resolved and by 3 months usually all the swelling has resolved. Wearing a compression garment, massage, drinking plenty of water and walking are things you can do yourself to help reduce the swelling. Sometimes abdominal bloating caused by constipation from the pain medicine can make the abdomen look swollen. You could also follow up with your provider to see if they offer ultrasound treatments to help reduce the swelling. But again, don't worry, it will get better in a couple of weeks. Good luck!

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is common to develop swelling 2-3 days after the surgery and usually more at the end of the day. Please restrict some of the activity and use appropriate garment. Consider massage and venus legacy treatments. Please talk to your PS

4th day post op from Smart Lipo. Did I sit too long?

Answers (11)

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