Any advice to reduce swelling after liposuction?

Swelling following liposuction can persist for up to 6 months or longer.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

After liposuction of the abdomen and waist, all patients will have considerable swelling (edema).In fact it oftentimes will worsen a bit after the first week post op.We have our patients wear specially fitted compression garments day and night for a couple weeks, and then only at night. The compression garments can help with the edema and the final shape. Also, time is your best friend.  It will take MONTHS to see your final results once all the edema is gone. 

Thank you for your question.  Wear of a compression garment following liposuction can help to decrease swelling, though not all plastic surgeons ascribe to this belief.  Best to discuss this with your plastic surgeon prior to purchasing a garment.  Time is really the only thing that will remedy post operative swelling, so be patient and follow your physician's post operative recommendations.  Best of luck.  

Thanks for your question.After lipsocution, you are heavier (due to the water weight) and sometimes bigger for up to a week.  Usually after the second week post op, you are significalntly smaller and continue to improve rapisly for the first 4 weeks.  The swelling continues to reduce and your shape gradually enhances for up to 6 months post operatively.Relax and let the body heal over time.Dr. T

Swelling always follows surgery and there is no magic formula. Compression and abstaining from salted foods are two things to do but there is no panacea except patience.

Time will be the best remedy for the swelling. There is no miracle remedy for the swelling. Be patient.

Thank you for your question! It is very normal to be swollen; however you should see a difference after removing the garment after one week. Liposuction is the gift that keeps on giving and you should see swelling continue to go down over the next 3-6 months. My advice would be to continue to wear your compression garment as often as you can because this helps reduce the swelling and assists the skin in contracting.