Swelling Increase 3 Weeks Post Op?

Thank
you for submitting your question. Swelling after liposuction will
last for many weeks after surgery, esp the thighs.  Final results take 6-12 months.
Minimize exercise, lymphatic massage, and using a contour garment will
help with the swelling.
Discuss your concerns with your Plastic Surgeon

      If there is no seroma, the increase in swelling is likely due to increases in activity or dietary changes.

 

 

Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Swelling after liposuction will fluctuate as your activity level changes. Best to keep wearing your garment and follow your surgeon's instructions.

This is 99% due to a very significant ingestion of salt.....Sodium!   Patients often deny this at first,  but after a meticulous assay of all taken in orally, they come up with some sweet tasting pudding full of salt even though a sweet taste.   Remember there is salt everywhere.  Your ingestion should be 1500 mg or a little less.  This is not easy.  Over 2000mg you retain salt and water is attracted to the salt.  Your lymphatics are poorly functioning in the area of surgery and water and salt collect.  Once in place the swelling takes 4 to 5 days to exit.  Diuretics are a double edged knife.  Stay away from diuretics.  They can deplete potassium and this is bad.  Be careful of salt.  Remember you will be salt sensitive until the lymphatics start to connect and function and this can easily take 6 months.   This  salt is your problem.   Excessive exercise can also play a role in edema so think and think again.   My Best,  Dr C