Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery conducted to remove stubborn fat that has refused to get away after dieting or doing exercises.
Swelling after lipo is normal. Your body will swell after undergoing liposuction surgery, this is caused by inflammation. Inflammation is a process by which our bodies protect themselves after an injury or irritation.
Being able to control swelling after “lipo” is very helpful as it will assist you to recover quickly. The good news is, there are plenty of steps you can take to help you reduce swelling after liposuction surgery.
Below are steps you can take to reduce swelling after liposuction.
1. Take anti-inflammatory medication
Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce swelling and inflammation by counteracting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme.
Take anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by your doctor after surgery. Some of the common anti-inflammatory drugs include;
- Aspirin
- Indomethacin
- Ibuprofen
- Meloxicam
- Naproxen
- Celecoxib
These drugs work by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme which causes inflammation.
2. Wear compression garments.
After liposuction surgery, compression garments are usually fitted at the doctors’ office.
Compression garments are made of a stretchy material that exerts pressure to your body holding you tight. They come in different shapes, sizes, and color.
They may be weared for along time especially for patients who have undergone liposuction surgery. This is due to damaged lymphatic system.
During post liposuction surgery, compression garments helps minimize swelling and increase healing recovery time.
3. Lymph Massage Helps Reduce Swelling
After liposuction, a fluid is collected in your Lymph system. Going for a lymphatic massage after liposuction can help you get rid of the fluid and get the swelling down. It also minimizes the collection of this fluid.
This in return decrease your welling overtime. Lymphatic drainage massage after liposuction may be done twice daily from a qualified caregiver for 10-15 minutes.
You can talk with your doctor about going for a lymph massage in your case. If he agrees, you can attend lymphatic drainage massage twice daily 10-15 minutes.
Reduce the number of times you visit as you continue to heal.
4. Take A balanced Diet.
Drink adequate water after liposuction to avoid dehydration during the healing process.
Make sure you eat a balanced diet and healthy meals and avoid taking alcohol 48 hours before and after surgery. If your body is hydrated, your immune system becomes weak and your swelling make take long to go away.
5. Follow all Post care op instructions.
There are a number of instructions given by your surgeon after liposuction surgery. This instructions contain a list of Dos and Don’s during your recovery period.
For example;
- You are not supposed to engage yourself in vigorous activities after surgery.
- Avoid drinking alcohol 48 hours before and after surgery.
- Wearing Compression garments when necessary.
- Tacking all the medicine given by your surgeon after surgery as instructed.
Following the the steps above may help you recover quickly as well as reduce swelling after undergoing liposuction surgery.
