After a liposuction surgery is done and the body is swollen, is it OK to push or force fluids out from surgical incisions?

Question

This procedure of pushing and forcing fluids out from surgical incisions (and even opening them or cutting the skin), is done at med-spas who call it "Lymphatic massage" or "Lymphatic drainage". There is a lot of marketing with videos on youtube/instagram of practitioners forcing fluids out of recent surgical incisions. Wouldn't this type of manipulation put the area at risk of infection and other problems? What is the safest way to drain excessive swelling at this stage of post-surgery?

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  Lymphatic drainage aka lymphatic massage is a very gentle technique, using a light touch.  It most definitely does not involve opening an incision to squeeze fluid out, or squeezing so hard that it pops open an incision.  (Run away from anyone suggesting that!)I recommend lymphatic work to our liposuction and facial surgery patients to reduce post-op swelling, and we have several aestheticians / massage therapists who are specifically trained in the correct technique.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor about after care recommendations after liposuction. Swelling can last 3-6 months after your procedure. For liposuction after care, I do recommend lymphatic massage along with your compression and hyperbaric oxygen 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

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Naturally body will absorb the fluid and get rid of through kidneys. Not recommended to do what you described.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The BEST way is placing drains in the liposuction areas.....But if the incisions are not sutured closed during the surgery than compression by massages is acceptable. But once the incisions are sealed it is below the standard of care for a non licensed MD to reopen them to continue this type of drainage.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

I can't imagine that anyone would do this but you are correct in assuming infection a big risk.  Incisions must be left to heal.   The body can get rid of fluid very well and safely via the kidneys.   My Best,  Dr Commons

After a liposuction surgery is done and the body is swollen, is it OK to push or force fluids out from surgical incisions?

Answers (5)

Answer: After a liposuction surgery is done and the body is swollen, is it OK to push or force fluids out from surgical incisions?

Answer: After a liposuction surgery is done and the body is swollen, is it OK to push or force fluids out from surgical incisions?

Answer: No pushing fluid from surgical incisions....INFECTION

Answer: No pushing fluid from surgical incisions....INFECTION

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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

After a liposuction surgery is done and the body is swollen, is it OK to push or force fluids out from surgical incisions?

Answers (5)

Answer: After a liposuction surgery is done and the body is swollen, is it OK to push or force fluids out from surgical incisions?

Answer: After a liposuction surgery is done and the body is swollen, is it OK to push or force fluids out from surgical incisions?

Answer: No pushing fluid from surgical incisions....INFECTION

Answer: No pushing fluid from surgical incisions....INFECTION

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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