Post Liposuction Swelling
Liposuction is a common and popular treatment in plastic cosmetic surgery. This helps people removed unwanted and excess fats from troubled areas in the body such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and other areas. Like other procedures, liposuction has its fair share of side effects, the most common of which is swelling.
- Swelling occurs as a side effect of liposuction because the body has been injured, albeit surgically.
- This surgically induced injury triggers the inflammatory process of the body causing the swelling.
- Immediately after liposuction and for a period of 6 to 12 weeks thereafter, patients should expect mild to moderate swelling on the area operated.
- The severity of swelling highly depends on the area operated or treated. The bigger the blood supply on the operated area, the higher the chances of swelling, the longer the swelling will take to subside.
Reducing Swelling after Liposuction
- Wear compression garments as ordered by the doctor.The doctor will also advise the patient for how long the compression garment needs to be worn. Compression garments not only helps keep the wound in place, it also helps in the even healing of the skin and in the reduction of post-operative swelling.
- Keep the body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Eat a well-balanced diet to hasten healing.
- Have a massage, which can be deep tissue or lymphatic, to help reduce swelling.
- Take anti-inflammatory medications with the consent of the doctor.
How to Decrease Swelling after Liposuction
Swelling after liposuction should not be treated like any other swelling. Some tips include:
- Do not place ice or cold compresses on areas where liposuction has been performed.
- Do not place warm or hot compresses on areas where liposuction has been performed.
- Do not soak in a pool or bath.
- Areas where liposuction has been done should not be allowed to touch water for a long period of time.
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide in cleaning wounds after a liposuction.