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.

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.

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.