No drainage after locally numbed tumescent liposuction, in office procedure. How to get the fluid out? (Photo)

Question

I've just had tumescent liposuction almost 4 days ago. It was a local numbing procedure and no drain was used. However, the doctor infiltrated about 1,300 ml of tumescent into my lower abdomen. I've had quite a bit of swelling and it hurts to walk. I've been wearing a compression garment and keeping fluids coming in. However I've had no luck with this fluid going down. Any ideas? I'm over this. Thanks for any help you can give!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you should have had drains and you should be on lynphatic massage and double compression at this time with RF treatments. I suggest you see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. I am sorry for your post operative difficulties. I will suggest following up with your surgeon for further post op instructions. Every surgeon has their own post operative protocol. A drain may be needed if there is a lot of fluid collection. However, every surgeon has their own post operative protocol.

Nathan W. Patterson, MD, FACS · Answer

With 1300 cc of tumescent fluid infiltrated, you should expect swelling at 4 days post-op.  If these are not results you were told to expect then I would recommend that you contact your surgeon.  You should expect to maintain limited activity and wear compression for at least 2 weeks and perhaps up to 6 weeks after this type procedure.  Drains are not usually used with liposuction procedures but every doctor does things their own way.  The good news is that nothing you have describes sounds dangerous.  Nevertheless, I would recommend you contact your surgeon and discuss your concerns.  I hope you get well soon.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You will probably be at your maximum swelling at the end of the first week. Continue to wear your compression garment as instructed, keep all your follow up visits, and walk and drink water. When instructed, start massaging the areas. Your swelling will gradually go down over the next several  months.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears as a semi urgent issue that needs in person medically care! Call the ? surgeon whom operated upon you r go to closest ER to have the on call PS see you.

Windell C. Davis-Boutte, MD (license suspended) · Answer

It is normal to have swelling  postoperatively, but I am concerned with the amount of fluid retention, swelling and bruising noticed in the photo. Please make sure that you are wearing your compression at least 23 hours/day. With the amount of loss of elasticity in your lower abdomen, I would have placed drains in order to allow the tumescent fluids to quickly drain.
I would highly suggest you see your surgeon to assess whether or not you have  fluid pockets called SEROMAS, that require draining. These may compromise the smooth contouring of your results if not addressed properly.  Also, maintain a low sodium diet, and consider purchasing and abdomen board or Lipo-foam under your garment to help support the lower abdomen and flank areas.
Best of luck & happy healing!
Windell Davis Boutte’, MD

No drainage after locally numbed tumescent liposuction, in office procedure. How to get the fluid out? (Photo)

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