I am P.O. 10 days of liposuccion on my back. Can I apply any topical creams for swelling and pain relief?

My patients get lymphatic massage, hyperbaric oxygen, and radiofrequency treatments to improve swelling and pain post liposuction.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Medications applied to the skin cannot penetrate deep enough to have an effect on the swelling in the subsequent pain after liposuction. Application of cold may help somewhat but this should be approved by your surgeon.

There are some topical creams which are believed to help relieve swelling and bruising such as Arnica and Bromelain. Before using any topical creams, please have them checked by your plastic surgeon to make sure they are safe to use on the size of area you are planning to cover. Pain relief is typically managed by oral pain medications and appropriate dressing and post-operative care instructions. If there are any concerns, you should have a physical examination by your physician to monitor the progress of your healing. 

There are a number of creams and oral medications that can help with bruising and swelling such as arnica.  Discuss any of these with your surgeon before taking.  More importantly, wearing a post op garment is essential to helping reduce your swelling and can improve comfort during the post operative period.