Preventing Fluid Retention After Liposuction

The majority of fluids that have been administered have drained and / or been metabolized within two days after liposuction. There is, however, an inflammatory period after any surgery, liposuction included, that produces swelling.  A compression garment would be recommended for the abdomen, but to decrease swelling of the face, you should sleep with your head elevated on at least two pillows, minimize your salt intake, abstain from alcohol consumption, don't exercise for several days after liposuction, and ask your surgeon about taking Arnica, an herb, which may lessen the swelling.

Thanks for your question. I  have my liposuction patients wear a compression garment (faja) covering all treated 24/7 except to shower for 4 weeks post op.  This helps ontrol swelling as the compression on your tissues helps your body to reabsorb the edema fluid that accumulates in the tissues after any procedure. This can take quite some time to happen without help from the compression garments.  It also helps improve  contour.  Compression helps to keep the tissues adherent to the underlying structures while healing, this can help prevent the wrinkled skin appearance that can happen when the tissues heal in ways we don't want them to.

You are right. Wearing your compression garment, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol are all things which will help to reduce swelling.  Elevating your legs helps to prevent swelling.  Arnica and Bromelain are 2 herbal supplements which help to prevent swelling and bruising.  These are sold in some physician offices or available at your health food store or on-line.

During liposuction, tumescent fluid needs to be injected under the skin.  Most of this fluid is removed during the liposuction procedure, but some is absorbed by the body.  Additionally, after the liposuction procedure, there is a period of time when the tissues become swollen while they are healing.  After surgery, the best thing to do is to wear your liposuction garment that put compression over the areas treated, have a low sodium diet and avoid spicy foods and alcohol which can all increase swelling.  There is no way to prevent swelling all together, but these methods may help minimize any extra swelling.

 

Good Luck.

Swelling is common and expected after liposuction, but it resolves as healing progresses. The use of compression is helpful to support tissues and control swelling during recovery. Watching excess sodium intake may also be helpful. Some patients find using the supplements Arnica and Bromelain to be helpful as well. It is important to closely follow your surgeon's post operative instructions for optimal results.

Most swelling is gone within a day or two after liposuction. Some leaks out and some is absorbed and excreted in the urine and sweat. As long as a person has normal heart and kidney function, this is usually a non-issue as long as he/she follows the post operative instructions and wears a compression garment..