How do you help alleviate edema after lipo?

.Compressive garments, elevation, salt restriction may have minor effects on swelling after liposuction but in the end the only permanent solution is the passage of time

Hi.  Unfortunately, some swelling is pretty much "standard" with liposuction of the legs, especially for the first 2-3 weeks.  Here are some tips to help:Wear your compression garment; keep the amount of time standing on your feet to a reasonable minimum; start doing massages of the liposuctioned area as soon as your surgeon allows; and keep dietary salt to a minimum.  Additionally, if you raise your legs way up - i.e. lie on your bed, and put your feet up on a nearby wall - for 10 minutes, twice a day, this can help too.I don't recommend diuretics - they make you dehydrated, but don't really pull the fluid out of the tissues particularly well.All the best,

Typically massage or ultrasound help. Compression, exercise and diuretics is what I typically prescribe for my patients.  All my patients get VelaShape treatments 2-3 weeks after liposuction to speed up the healing process, stimulate skin tightening, and prevent irregularities.  Speak to your physician about these alternative options.  Arnika or Bromelain pills are also useful to continue for the first 4-6 weeks.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Bruising and swelling are normal after Liposuction.   How much bruising and swelling will vary from patient to patient.   The best things to do to minimize these issues are Compression Garments, Elevation whenever possible and Lymphatic Massage.   

Swelling and bruising is common after liposuction. For treatment of the legs, the bruising commonly travels down the leg. Swelling will persist for several weeks when the majority will go away, but there might be residual swelling for several months.