4 Days Post Op from Smart Lipo and when I Eat a Meal Swelling Seems to Get Worse.. Any Ideas?

Fluctuations in swelling are very common in the early recovery period.  Make sure you are wearing your compression garment, eating healthy, and drinking plently of water.  Add a protein drink to your daily diet for the next week or so.  Increased protein will help absorb the swelling and move your recovery along faster.  Drainage is standard but varies from individual to individual.  It will stop when it's time.  Make sure you maintain a good posture and start massaging the treated areas now.  See your surgeon frequently so he or she can coach you through the recovery process.  

    Eating always distends a belly to some extent and bloating is not uncommon either.  In addition, at 4 days swelling will come and go due to activity and diet.  The swelling should continue to improve over about 3 month period.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Swelling four days after Smartlipo can have many causes.  Too salty a meal can cause fluid retention.  Pain medication can cause bloating and constipation.  Eating too much may make your abdomen feel too large as well.  It is probably normal but check with your doctor to make sure there are not any signs of infection.