I am 5 days post op from inner/outer and knee liposuction. Any suggestions?

Question

I am very bruised and very sore with a lot of swelling which I have read is normal. In addition, to the numbness/tingling under my garment. I am experiencing swelling in my lower leg/ankles when I sit with my legs down or walk. I don't like taking narcotics (they make me sick to my stomach even when taken with food) and am only taking Tylenol 3.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is very common to have bruising and swelling for weeks to months after liposuction procedures.  What is most important is that you follow your surgeons post operative instructions and continue compression.  If you are concerned, lymphatic massage and Velashape or Venus Legacy treatments can be used to improve the swelling and help the skin tighten.  My patients start treatments right away and it improves the long term results.  Speak to your physician if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Liposuction and commonly in the lower legs tend to cause a lot of swelling and bruising. The bruising usually goes away within a week or two and most of the swelling will usually go away in about 6-8 weeks in the legs.  However, some residual swelling can last 4-6 months and sometimes longer.

Gustavo E. Galante, MD · Answer

The knees lower legs tend to swell more and the swelling may last longer than other parts of the body after a liposuction procedure. It is important to keep your legs elevated for several days when not walking. Sometimes it is actually the garment that can cause more swelling; if the lower edge is too tight, it can slow the return of blood and fluid from the legs and cause swelling. Be sure to have your surgeon examine you to see if all you are describing is just normal course of healing and recovery.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

The best thing to do is make sure your garment is well below your knees to help prevent swelling in the lower legs.  It is normal to have some, but especially important to have a proper fitting and length of your garment. When sitting, this early in post operative liposuction, you should be elevating your legs as much as possible.  I am not a big fan of Tylenol for pain / swelling, instead try scheduled ibuprofen if you are able to take it.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The best advice we can give is to use compression as instructed, walk frequently throughout the day, elevate for swelling in the evening, and of course follow you surgeons recommendations. Good luck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The practice of good medicine and general etiquette dictates we typically ask patients to refer to their own surgeons in regards to postoperative management. I will share some thoughts in regards to my practice and my patients. I encourage my patients to use high doses of ibuprofen after liposuction. The side effects are much better tolerated than narcotics. Tylenol 3 contains codeine, which is a narcotic pain medication. Codeine tends to make people both nauseous and constipated. Leg elevations are often helpful to reduce foot, ankle and leg swelling. In order for this to be effective, your feet need to be just above your heart. What you describe is quite typical five days after liposuction. Continue following up with your plastic surgeon and ask him or her to address your concerns as well.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

I am 5 days post op from inner/outer and knee liposuction. Any suggestions?

Answers (6)

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