What Can I Do to Maximize Skin Retraction and Smoothness After Lipo?

Hello MaxInMaximas104,

I appreciate your questions! I would recommend VASER Liposuction as opposed to traditional methods of liposuction because VASER Lipo is the only method clinically proven to cause 53% skin retraction relative to other techniques, and the risk for contour irregularities (indentations and fibrosis) is significantly lower with the use of the VASER machine. Plastic surgeons have different post-operative protocols customized for every patient, to achieve the best results. After a liposuction procedure, my patients are required to wear their compression garments around the clock (except for showering), immediately after surgery, for approximately 6 months. The skin retraction and swelling after surgery typically would occur up to six months. In order to have uniform skin retraction during that six months, I recommend wearing these compression garments up to that time. Moreover, I typically advise patients that, without lymphatic drainage massages, there is a risk that the swelling and inflammation could turn into fibrosis, which is a permanent hardening of the area. At least ten lymphatic drainage massage sessions are required, starting 24 hours after the procedure, to eliminate excess lymph fluid, alleviate swelling and discomfort, and also prevent complications such as seromas (fluid collection) and contour irregularities (indentations, and/or fibrosis). Hope this is helpful! Dr. De La Cruz.

      Wearing the compression garment correctly and snugly 24/7 for the first several weeks after surgery along with early recognition and drainage of fluid collections can help prevent irregularities of liposuction.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that none of the treatment after surgery will produce good, smooth skin shrinkage if the elastic tone of the skin is poor. This is especially true for the abdominal area after pregnancy, and after substantial weight loss. Your surgeon will be able to advise you about how long to wear the compression garment. Lanolin is an ingredient in moisturizers, which do not enhance skin elasticity except as a temporary effect on dehydrated skin.

The amount of skin retraction is most dependant on your preexisting skin tone. I ask the patients to wear the compression garments 24/7 for the first 3 weeks

Absolutely the best thing you can do is rest for the first day, then gently walk in the days after, as gravity will help with the fluid removal. Make sure you wear your compression garments at all times, and wear them nice and tight (don't make them more comfortable by loosening them). Gentle massage can help. Don't take anything that thins the blood like NSAIDs or alcohol. As for creams, there is no topical product that can do anything to help the liposuction healing process.