How To Drain Fluid After Liposuction

Even with the best surgeon and careful post-operative care, some patients may experience fluid pockets after undergoing liposuction. These fluid-filled pockets, known as seromas, are a common occurrence after surgeries that involve the removal or disturbance of a significant amount of tissue. Studies have shown that seromas can occur in 3 to 30 percent of liposuction patients, making it a relatively common complication. Thankfully, seromas are usually benign and tend to resolve on their own. While they may cause some discomfort and swelling, especially in larger seromas, medical treatment can help manage any discomfort and ensure the patient’s comfort during the healing process.

What are your concerns regarding the removal of fluid following a liposuction procedure? When patients use compression garments, they are able to decrease their fluid retention and get relief. These garments are worn by patients on the portion of their body that is being treated. A considerable reduction in edema can be achieved by wearing these garments that fit snugly. It is also important for patients to properly follow the directions given by their surgeon. This can be accomplished by consuming a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy level of hydration, and avoiding items that are high in salt. Exercises that are mild on the body and assist maintain excellent blood circulation are also beneficial.

Seroma After Liposuction

What Does a Seroma Look Like After Liposuction?

Seromas typically appear as tiny lumps or bumps under the skin. The lump should feel soft and be the same color as the skin around it; but, if it is large enough to stretch the skin, it may appear reddish.

Seromas can occasionally leak liquids. This fluid is lymph, a transparent fluid containing white blood cells. The word “clear” is emphasized here. If the fluid coming from your drains or incisions is red or greenish in color, it may indicate an infection rather than a seroma, and you should consult with your surgeon. However, clear or slightly yellow fluid is usually not cause for concern.

A seroma may not show as a single lump, but rather as a collection of lumps and bumps. Liposuction can generate many gaps or spaces beneath the skin, which can fill with fluid.

WHY DOES FLUID BUILD UP FOLLOWING LIPOSUCTION?

Now that you’ve determined that you may have a seroma, you might be questioning why. You have lymphatic vessels throughout your body, much like blood vessels. Some of these lymphatic veins reside in the subcutaneous fat beneath your skin. Liposuction, even when done slowly and carefully, might damage or eliminate some of these vessels. This allows the lymphatic system to recover itself, which may result in lymphatic fluid leaking into the empty gaps left by the excised fat tissue.

For the same reason, once a seroma has filled a space, it may take some time to disappear. The disruption to the lymphatic system also means that there are fewer vessels available to transport and discharge any extra lymph. Once lymph rushes into a place, the body has no rapid way to remove it. As a result, a seroma may emerge and persist for longer than desired.

HOW LONG DOES FLUID BUILD UP AFTER A LIPO?

A fluid pocket usually appears 5 to 10 days after liposuction. The body then takes weeks to months to naturally heal a seroma on its own. Most disappear within a month, but the process can last up to a year. Fortunately, your surgeon can speed up the removal of a particularly obstinate seroma.

How to Get Rid of Fluid Pockets After Liposuction.

The best method to deal with a seroma following liposuction is to avoid it if possible. This entails wearing your compression garment as prescribed by your surgeon. Compression garments can assist reduce fluid collection following surgery and remove any seromas that may form. Seromas are reported to be more likely in people who do not use or frequently remove their compression garment following liposuction.

To avoid fluid pockets, your surgeon may install drains at your incision site. If so, you’ll need to keep them clean and potentially record how much fluid comes out of them after surgery. Drains are frequent after liposuction and simple to care for. Your doctor or surgical team will show you what to do with them before you leave the office following your liposuction operation.

Seromas are typically treated with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. These drugs do not eradicate the fluid pocket, but they can alleviate the pain associated with seroma swelling. Most seromas may be treated with these drugs and patience, and they usually resolve themselves.

When a seroma is chronic or the fluid pocket is quite large, your surgeon can drain it for you. To accomplish so, they will put a small needle into the gap and extract the lymphatic fluid. In rare circumstances, a surgeon can go in and surgically remove the seroma while also treating the place where the fluid pocket has gathered. This is not always essential, though.

Lipo Swelling Before and After

Why do patients experience excess fluid after liposuction?

It is quite typical to have extra fluid following liposuction. You may observe fluid oozing from the surgical site in the days following the procedure. It happens when a surgeon uses a tumescent solution to treat a specific location. This fluid mixture prepares the area for the removal of fat cells. It includes lidocaine, epinephrine, and an electrolyte solution.

Although surgeons can remove a significant amount of fluid when sucking out the fat, they cannot remove all of it. This fluid then seeps from the wounds after the surgery. It may be two to three days before this fluid stops seeping. It could be transparent, yellowish, or red in hue. Although it may be frightening to behold, it is not dangerous and is, in fact, quite common. You’ll have absorbent pads to soak up the fluid. It should stop leaking after 48 hours. After that, you can take a shower.

You will most likely suffer edema as a result of fluid accumulation under the skin. That does not imply there is an issue. This swelling is typical and expected following a surgical procedure such as liposuction. Following liposuction surgery, lymph fluid collect and create edema. Inflammation is a natural element of the healing process. It will gradually subside.

How long will it take for the fluid to drain after liposuction?

The tumescent solution will exit your body after a few days of the surgery. The lymph fluids will remain in the body for longer. As a result, swelling in the treated area may persist for some time. Within a few weeks following the treatment, you may notice that the fluid and edema have begun to subside. However, the edema may not completely subside for several months. Some patients may have to wait up to six months or a year to see the full results of their procedure.

Wearing compression garments is the best way to reduce fluid buildup.

The most important thing you can do to decrease fluid buildup after liposuction is to wear your compression garment. Your surgeon will recommend a well-fitting compression garment for the affected area. To get the greatest results, wear it exactly as directed. For the first few days, you must wear your prescription compression garment around the clock. You should only remove it when showering. Your surgeon will tell you when you can start reducing the amount of time you wear your garment. You can expect to wear it for a few weeks. Compression garments function by putting pressure on the treated region. It forces the body to absorb the lymph fluids back up, preventing them from accumulating under the skin and causing edema.

• 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.