Worried about getting rid of fluid after a liposuction procedure? Patients can achieve relief from fluid retention by wearing compression garments. Patients wear these garments on the treated area of the body. These tight-fitting garments help to reduce edema significantly. Patients should also follow their surgeon’s instructions carefully. Eating healthily, staying well-hydrated and avoiding salty foods will help reduce fluid build-up. Maintaining good blood circulation through gentle exercise also helps.
Why do Patients Have Excess Fluid After Liposuction?
It’s quite normal to have excess fluid after liposuction. In the days immediately after the procedure, you may notice fluid seeping from the surgery site. It occurs because the surgeon fills the area they are treating with a tumescent solution. This fluid mixture prepares the area for the removal of the fat cells. It contains lidocaine, epinephrine, and an electrolyte solution.
Although the surgeon removes much of the fluid when sucking the fat out, surgeons cannot remove all the fluid. This fluid then leaks from the incisions following the procedure. It may take two to three days before this fluid stops leaking out. It may be clear, yellowish, or red in color. Although it can be alarming to see, it isn’t dangerous and is, in fact, very typical. You will have absorbent pads to soak up the fluid. It should stop leaking out within 48 hours. After that point, you will be able to take a shower.
You’ll probably also experience swelling due to the build-up of fluids under the skin. That doesn’t mean there’s a problem. It’s normal and necessary for this swelling to occur after a surgical procedure like liposuction. Lymph liquids accumulate after liposuction surgery, and these cause the swelling. The inflammation occurs naturally as part of the body’s healing process. It will eventually subside.
How Long Will it Take for the Fluid to Subside After Liposuction?
The tumescent solution will leave the body within a couple of days after your procedure. The lymph fluids will stay in the body for longer. You will therefore notice swelling in the treated area, which can last for some time. You may notice the fluid and, thus, the swelling to start subsiding within a couple of weeks of the procedure. Not all of the swelling may go down for several months, though. Some patients wait for as long as six months or a year to see the full result of their surgery.
Wearing Compression Garments is the Best Way of Reducing Fluid Build-Up
The single most important thing you can do to reduce fluid build-up after liposuction is to wear your compression garment. Your surgeon will prescribe a well-fitting compression garment for the treated area. You must wear it exactly as instructed to achieve the best outcome. You must wear your prescribed compression garment 24 hours a day at first. You should only remove it to shower. Your surgeon will instruct you about when you can start to reduce the amount of time you wear your garment. You should expect to wear it for several weeks. Compression garments work by applying pressure to the treated area. It forces the body to soak the lymph fluids back up, stopping them from building up under the skin causing swelling.
Other Ways to Reduce Fluid Build-Up After Liposuction
- You should avoid eating a high-salt diet after liposuction. Salt causes your body to retain water. That leads to more swelling and edema. Try to avoid any salty foods during the weeks after your surgery.
- It’s also important to rest for a couple of days immediately after your surgery. Get plenty of sleep and take naps if necessary.
- After a few days, you should begin doing gentle exercise. Some short walks will help to boost blood circulation. That will reduce swelling and fluid build-up too.
- Sleeping with your legs elevated can also reduce swelling and fluid retention.
- Avoid consuming alcohol after your surgery. Alcohol causes excess fluid retention too.
- Your surgeon may advise you to use arnica, a herb that reduces swelling.
- Attend your post-surgery check-up with your surgeon to check on any fluid build-up and swelling.
A skilled and experienced surgeon will always give you good advice about how to reduce fluid build-up. They can give you their expert advice about what is normal and ease any concerns you have. You can also be confident that a specialist liposuction surgeon will prepare you thoroughly for your procedure and give you an excellent aftercare regime.
Dr. Su at ArtLipo is a specialist in the liposuction field. He always ensures his patients are well aware of what to expect in terms of fluid retention after lipo surgery. He will give you clear outlines of how to prepare and how to improve the recovery period. Get in contact with our team now to learn more and to ask any questions you may have.
