Help! How can I reduce my swelling and water retention after Lipo!?!?

Question

I had tumescent Lipo on my thighs, calves & ankles a week ago today (2/26). Last Sunday (3/3) I washed the garment & showered and during the time the garment was off I really swelled up! I’ve been wearing my garment every day & am scared to take it off except for a very brief shower, like I don’t even shave so I can get in & out and put my garment back on, but the swelling is still there. Any tips on how to reduce it? I’ve tried ice and drink tons of water!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This is something you should discuss with your surgeon who knows you best. For my patients, I tell them it is normal to have a lot of swelling after liposuction, continue to be vigilant in wearing your compression garment. Whenever sitting try to elevate your legs. Avoid salty foods and eat a healthy diet. Walking is good but don't over do it, or swelling will return. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling is normal and you will be your biggest usually at the end of the first week. Continue to wear your garment as much as possible. While it is washing and drying, you might want to get into another garment.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, I see questions like this often and it means that your surgeon didn't educate you about the postoperaitve experience.  Typically, the garment is worn for 23 hours per day. It is taken off to shower.  This is for the first three weeks.  For the second three weeks it's worn for 12 hours per day.  After that I have patients wear Spanx or similar.  The swelling will take many weeks to resolve.  In addition you will notice the subcutaneous scarring begin to develop.  This will feel like hard "ropes" or "knots" under the skin.  This will take six to eight months to resolve and can be a year.

Leonard Tachmes, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome
to our forum!
Congratulations
on your recent procedure...The procedure of liposuction is an
"insult" to the soft tissues, resulting in swelling which will
initially totally obscure the operative result. Picture yourself as a cylinder filled with water. Puncture the cylinder near the top and water will drip out. Puncture the cylinder near the bottom and water will pour out under pressure. Venous pressure rises at your lower extremities when you are upright, resulting in increased swelling after surgery. 
We recommend limiting
activities and practicing leg elevation (above heart level) whenever possible until swelling
subsides. The
purpose of a compression garment is to prevent bleeding and to control
swelling. We usually recommend its use for at least the first 4-6 weeks after the
procedure. Administration of diuretic medication will have no effect upon post surgical swelling. 
60-80%
of the swelling should subside within the first 6 weeks, with the remainder
slowly subsiding over 6-12 months.
Continue followup care with your plastic surgeon. 
Best wishes...

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Swelling after liposuction it's normal and should be at dissipated. There's no way to stop this process. The procedure you had will leave you swollen for a long time. Expect leg ankle and foot swelling for six months or longer.  That said, the majority of swelling will dissipate in the next 3 to 4 weeks.  For lower extremity swelling try leg elevations by laying flat with your legs elevated above your heart using two or three pillows.  Compression garments as you have already noticed will keep swelling down. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process. Ideally the healing process and post operative expectations should be discussed prior to a procedure.  Best, Mats Hagstrom,MD

Help! How can I reduce my swelling and water retention after Lipo!?!?

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