Squishing watery noise heard after facial Liposuction and laser. (photo)

Question

I had facial laser and lipo surgery performed 4 days ago. The only actual lipo used was my double chin. The surgeon used laser on my jaw line to give me a more contoured face. When I press on the swollen jaw areas, I hear a disgusting squishing/slurping noise. Is this normal?

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

You are still early in the healing process and some swelling is normal.  However, it sounds like there is a possibility that you are developing a fluid collection.  Follow up with your plastic surgeon and address your concerns.  Best wishes.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Your description may be more informative than your photo, as swelling can cause this appearance. OR, this swishing and gurgling sound could indicate a collection of blood or serum in need of drainage to avoid or minimize problems. The sooner this is done, the better. I would also ask about an elastic chin strap or jaw bra to help these tissues adhere and heal. Call your surgeon's office ASAP and do not wait until your next regular appointment. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Amanda,No cause for alarm.  This looks and sounds normal.  Thanks for the photo.  Keep your surgeon in the loop, however.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thanks for the picture. The sound that you are hearing is completely normal. This the remaining liposuction fluid.  The body will absorb this fluid with time.

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for the question! Some swelling is natural after liposuction. However, when you're hearing a swishing sound after liposuction it can signify a collection of blood or clear serum which may need to be looked at by your plastic surgeon.

Are you wearing a compression garment around the clock?

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your surgeon to
make sure you are healing properly. It is very important to wear your
compression garment after the procedure to help with any swelling that may
occur. Good luck in your recovery!

Ronald Friedman, MD · Answer

The most likely cause of a swishing, gurgling sound 4 days after surgery is a seroma, or accumulation of clear serous fluid in the surgical area.  A hematoma (collection of blood) is also possible.  These are both treated with local anesthetic to the area followed by removal with a needle.  Although either fluid collection will absorb on its own, the resorption process is accompanied by increased soft tissue scarring, which may compromise the surgical result.Although local anesthetic fluid can give this same finding a day after surgery, it should have reabsorbed by now, making seroma or hematoma more likely.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Return to your doctor ASAP for drainage of seroma or hematoma in the chin area. Sorry for your issues......

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

From what you describe, you may have developed a seroma.That represents the fluid buildup in the spaces where the fat used to be.The surface areas where the fat was removed need to stick together. Tissue after liposuction looks sort of like a kitchen sponge. All those little spaces need to collapse down and stick together with early scar tissue formation.Compression garments assist in doing this.In some patients, more fluid builds up than the body is able to absorb. When that happens, a fluid buildup develops, which is called a seroma.In general, seromas need to be drained on a regular basis.Undrained seromas can lead to chronic fluid collections that become encapsulated and may need to be surgically removed with time.They are typically easy to manage early on. The longer one waits, the more difficult they can be to manage.You may or may not have a seroma. All plastic surgeons are taught and trained how to manage seromas. Your surgeon needs to examine you and come up with an appropriate treatment plan.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Squishing watery noise heard after facial Liposuction and laser. (photo)

Answers (9)

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