Why does my skin feel so tight when I take my compression suit off?

Question

It feels like I can't stand up straight without serious pulling and tightening from my sternum to the top of my legs. I had micro lipo done on my stomach, flanks and mons pubis 14 days ago. Im in excellent shape. I bruised all the way down to my knees. I took Arnica but got horrible dirrehia. I wear my compression garment 24 hrs a day. I can barely stand the itching but use hydrocortisone and Benadryl. I had 150 ml of fluid pulled out my sides the first week, and 40 ml the second.

Mark Edward Hennessy, MD · Answer

Swelling, becoming worse after removing a compression garment, is a common issue after Lipo. Your body creates inflammatory fluid after the procedure, and more is released when you remove your garment. If all your wounds have closed (and w your surgeon’s permission) you could try oatmeal baths to alleviate the itching (since it is so important to continue the garment and downsize it when loose). Re: Bruising- avoid NSAIDS, Vit E and anything substance thins your blood.Lymphatic massage and daily exercise will help manage the swelling with a tincture of time: hope this finds you improved!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear skinnybutsorry,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a liposuction surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. 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. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Chaitali Nangrani, MD · Answer

The skin is still healing and feels firm because of swelling and underlying bruising. There are no negative effects of Smart Lipo on skin, it only improves collagen, and can cause tightening in the areas and improve stretch marks. I encourage my patients to get lymphatic massages afterwards, or add something like Venus freeze to quicken the healing process and these modalities complement the procedure well .

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Tightness after liposuction is actually a good sign as one of the complications of fat removal includes being left with redundant skin. bruising in your legs is avoided with compression garments that extend to your legs. If your garment is short, then you can use ace wraps.

Why does my skin feel so tight when I take my compression suit off?

Answers (8)

Answer: Compression

Answer: Compression

Answer: Tightness after liposuction

Answer: Tightness after liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

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Why does my skin feel so tight when I take my compression suit off?

Answers (8)

Answer: Compression

Answer: Compression

Answer: Tightness after liposuction

Answer: Tightness after liposuction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.