4 days post under arm lipo, and was left with no compression garment, I hear fluid when I raise my arms, advice?

Question

I had under arm lipo 4 days ago (axilla) I left with no compression garment. The next day I received a basic sports bra that doesn’t reach up high enough to compress. I can hear a air/ fluid noise when I raise and lower one arm . Should I find some type of compression garment to use? Can I use a sports tape? I’m concerned my results will not be ideal since I’ve had no compression applied .

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor about their protocol regarding compression. I have my patients wear customized compression for 3-6 weeks straight then overnight for 3-6 months after their procedure. For liposuction after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. Best, Dr. Emer

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. This is likely due to edema and swelling in the tissues. It is possible that compression could help, but I would defer to your surgeon on your appropriate post-op instructions. You need to touch base with him or her for instructions. Good luck!

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

12dr.   I appreciate your concern, but that area of your body is difficult to compress adequately with various types of compression garments available. I believe that the fluid that you hear is probably remnant of the fluid injected as part of your liposuction procedure.  You should still come away with an excellent outcome from your procedure, but swelling may persist a bit longer because of the difficulty in compression of that area. Try to stay patient and follow up with you Plastic Surgeon. Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 12dr,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery. The fluid you hear could be two things. It's either some residual fluid from your procedure that still needs to be absorbed, or it could be a fluid collection which is starting to form because the body is unable to absorb all of the fluid. You can try and get a long sleeve exercise shirt which would offer some compression in that area. Either way I would discuss this with your surgeon to see what they think.Best,~Dr. Sieber

4 days post under arm lipo, and was left with no compression garment, I hear fluid when I raise my arms, advice?

Answers (7)