How to Help Swelling Subside After a Tummy Tuck & Liposuction

The popularity of elective cosmetic surgery like liposuction (lipo) and tummy tucks make it seem like they are commonplace and "no big deal." There is the perception that you go to sleep and wake up with a new, slim body that is ready to go. The reality is that liposuction and tummy tuck recovery is painful and involves serious down time. Besides pain and bruising, your body undergoes severe swelling as a reaction to the trauma of surgery. This swelling can last for weeks or even months, obscuring the results of your liposuction or tummy tuck. However, there are things you can do to help keep swelling subside after surgery.

Instructions

• 1

  Be sure that your surgeon is familiar with the proper way of handling and draining the excess fluid he pumps into your fat layers to make the surgery easier. Ask questions, check certifications and choose a doctor with good recommendations and credentials.

• 2

  Ask your doctor about using an open drainage technique for lipo, where the incisions are not stitched closed. It may be messier as drainage is occurring, but the swelling will go down faster.

• 3

  Wear your compression garment as directed, especially if your incisions are stitched closed. This thick elastic girdle-like garment forces the remaining fluid to spread out and be absorbed into the body. They also help to collapse the tunnels left in the fat by the cannula, or fat sucking tube.

• 4

  Try massage to help redistribute fluids if there is stubborn swelling.

• 5

  Explore external ultrasound if other techniques to reduce swelling do not work. This uses sound waves to break down swollen areas so that the fluid can absorb into the body easier.