Is there an explanation why I'm lightheaded whenever I remove my compression garment?

Question

I had lipo on abdomen, thighs (circumferential) and anterior knees-4 days post op. When I take off the Compression Garment to shower and rebandage I get lightheaded. I tried yesterday and gave up. I made it happen today but only with my hubby's help. I mostly sat on the floor the cuz standing made me queazy and see spots. It ONLY happens with the CG OFF. With CG on I can be mobile w/o incident. I plan to wear it for 4 weeks so it's not a terribly big deal but I'd still like an explanation.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this is completely normal and will take many weeks to get better. Stay hydrated and have someone help you with your garment changes.  If its very severe please speak to your physician as medications can also make you dizzy. Best, Dr. Emer.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Four days after liposuction most patients are physiologically fairly stable. Your symptoms should be reported to your surgeon.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Since there has been a change in your post op course, please contact your surgeon to discuss your light headedness. Also, please review post instructions with your surgeon to confirm when you can be showering.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

J. Howell Tiller, MD · Answer

Lipocontouring causes a body to lose fluid not only from any drainage/bleeding that you may see coming from the little incisions but also because of the great amount of swelling that lipo causes; this is what we call "third-spacing."  In this situation, fluid that was in your blood stream is lost into your soft tissue where the lipo was performed.  Dizziness is, therefore, very common.  Drink LOTS of fluids.  This may seem contradictory because you see how swollen you are so why add more fluids?? But your body needs the fluids to keep up your blood pressure, etc.  Your lightheadedness will get less and less as your body heals, you increase your activities, and you keep up fluids and return to normal diet.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It can happens after lipo when they remove garment first time because of meds, pain etc. It is happening overtime, you should call your surgeon and talk to them.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Why have you NOT called your surgeon with this light headedness issues? Most likely nothing but you really need to be seen or talked to by him/her!!!!!

John M. Griffin, MD (retired) · Answer

A common cause for your lightheadedness my be that you are dehydrated .  Another cause is that you may be overdosing your pain meds. I presume your surgeon did not encountered unusual bleeding during your surgery,Be sure you are drinking enough fluids.  Minimise your pain meds.  By all means   contact your surgeon for specific instructions.

Is there an explanation why I'm lightheaded whenever I remove my compression garment?

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