How do I remove fluid after my lipo holes close? 3 weeks post-op.

Question

I had Lipo 3 weeks ago and my Lipo areas are really hard. My arms belly still have fluid. How do I remove the reminder fluid? And can it cause any health risk?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For liposuction after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. Best, Dr. Emer

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

If the hardness could be a pocket of fluid, called a seroma, or it could be generalized swelling. Your doctor needs to manage a seroma, because that can have long term effects on scar tissue formation. You can manage regular swelling, which isn’t a health risk but is uncomfortable. First, make sure your garment covers all operative areas and applies pretty even pressure. You don’t want to be loose or to cut in anywhere. Topifoam can be used to apply more even pressure if needed. Next, you can get lymphatic massage (with your surgeon’s ok) by a therapist trained in the Vader technique. This is very light touch and helps minimize swelling. This is not the same as deep massage to break up scar tissue, which is uncomfortable and not indicated for swelling early on after surgery.

Mehmet Surmeli, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi,
After lipo the initial phase of healing of the lymphatics takes approximately 2 weeks. During this time fluid collections may occur. If it's not very conspicious and the wiggling is not present the body may resorb this fluid, but if the amount of fluid is too much it's needed to be drained. 
We perform this drainage through IV catheters or by simple puncture with a syringe. If you are away from your surgeon and there is no PRS specialist around you, if there is a deep localized collection, it would be wise to do this with USG guided drainage.
Hope you will get better, soon.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Excess residual fluids can be drained by needle aspiration. But you must see your surgeon or seek a surgeon experienced in post lipo fluid retention issues.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
You are still early on the healing process, at the stage you are in, swelling is normal, so please be patient. It can take up to six months to see your final results.
I suggest my patients to use a full body compression garment, 24/7 for the first 3 months, and after that, for 12 hours a day for 3 more months and to try the lymphatic massages, to get the best results.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

How do I remove fluid after my lipo holes close? 3 weeks post-op.

Answers (5)

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