Swelling After Plastic Surgery: Common Side Effects

Dr. Daniel Becker shares advice on how to manage swelling after plastic surgery. Discover effective tips for a smoother recovery.
Swelling After Plastic Surgery: Common Side Effects
Effective strategies to manage and reduce swelling after plastic surgery for a smoother recovery.

Cosmetic surgery is done more often in the recent past and many people opt for the different operations such as the nose job or the liposuction. However, it is essential to appreciate the fact that most of the plastic surgery operations comes with a package of side effects as much as they yield positive impacts. Speaking of the risk factors, one of them is the presence of swelling after the surgery.

However, it is noteworthy to state here that bruising after the surgery or after any surgery for that matter can be uncomfortable and may even be irritating, but it is something that can easily be addressed. The period of oedema and the degree of its manifestation is individual for each person, but there are some measures that can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

Different Types of Swelling

Inflammation, fluid accumulation, and lymphatic system overload can all contribute to swelling
Swelling occurs as the body’s natural response to trauma and manipulation at the surgical site

There are two types of swelling that can occur after plastic surgery: immediate and delayed. Immediate swelling occurs in the hours and days following surgery, usually the result of fluid accumulation in the surgical site. Delayed swelling, on the other hand, can occur weeks or even months after surgery, often the result of inflammation or infection. Both types of swelling can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to move or perform everyday activities.

Immediate Swelling

Swelling right after the surgery is a natural reaction of the body since it was subjected to surgery invasion. Postoperative swelling often begins within the first 48-72 hours as a result of fluid buildup in the surgical site. The level of inflammation likely depends on the type of surgery, the degree of tissue handling, and the inherent physiology of the patients’ body.

Oedema may occur universally or in specific aspects; this causes stiffness, which makes it hard to move or carry out activities. Some of the popular operations that result in the swelling that starts right from the time of the operation include nose reshaping, breast surgery, liposuction and, face lift.

Delayed Swelling

Postoperative swelling and those that occur after Rhinoplasty and other types of plastic surgery surgery may appear weeks or even months after surgery and may be an indication of inflammation or even an infection. This type is relatively rare as compared to immediate swelling, but it is more dangerous if not treated on time.

Swelling can be late for numerous causes such as poor wound healing, infection, or an allergic reaction to the surgical materials. If you develop a delay in the swelling process, then it is recommended that you see your surgeon immediately to have you treated.

How Long Does Swelling Last?

Cold compresses can help reduce swelling after plastic surgery by constricting blood vessels, which helps reduce inflammation and pain
Cold compresses should be applied to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day

Swelling gradually subides after the operation and depends on the type of surgical procedure, individual characteristics, and can last from several days to several weeks. It is generally during the first few days after surgery that the patients experience the most swelling and this reduces over the next weeks and months.

There are usually massive swellings that are associated with facial surgeries like facelift surgeries or those of rhinoplasty that may last for several weeks.

It should be noted that breast augmentation and tummy tuck surgery also involve considerable swelling that may take several weeks to resolve. Liposuction leads to a lot of bruising but minimal swelling and the patient can be back to work in a few days.

Tips for Reducing Swelling and Promoting Healing

While some degree of swelling is unavoidable after plastic surgery, there are steps you can take to minimize its impact. Here are some tips:

  • Follow your surgeon’s instructions: It is therefore important for a patient to follow the surgery regulations as advised by the surgeon. You should pay special attention to these instructions because they can teach you how to reduce inflammation and aid healing.
  • Elevate the surgical site: Elevating the surgical site above your heart can help reduce swelling. For example, after facial surgery, it is recommended to sleep with your head elevated. After breast augmentation or tummy tuck surgery, it is recommended to recline in a chair or on a couch with pillows supporting your back.
  • Apply cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to the surgical site can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Your surgeon may recommend that you apply cold compresses for the first few days after surgery.
  • Wear compression garments: Your surgeon may recommend that you wear compression garments after your cosmetic surgery. These garments apply pressure to the surgical site, which can help reduce swelling and promote proper healing.
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess fluid from your body and reduce swelling.
  • Avoid salt and alcohol: Salt and alcohol can contribute to fluid retention, so it is important to avoid them after surgery.

When to Contact Your Surgeon

It is important to contact your surgeon if you experience significant swelling that does not improve with time, swelling that is accompanied by severe pain, redness, or warmth at the surgical site
Seek medical attention if you experience any signs of infection, such as fever or chills, after plastic surgery

While some degree of swelling is normal after plastic surgery, it is important to contact your surgeon if you experience any of the following:

  • Significant swelling that does not improve with time
  • Swelling that is accompanied by severe pain, redness, or warmth at the surgical site
  • Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

These symptoms could indicate a more serious issue, and it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

The Importance of Choosing a Qualified Rhinoplasty Specialist

It is very important that one selects a skilled and experienced surgeon to perform the surgery because the nose is a sensitive structure and even minor alterations on it demands a lot of skill. An experienced and skilled professional who has received a good education and has successfully carried out many operations of this type. Moreover, they are aware of the latest approaches and tools, so the process can be adapted to each patient and their objectives.

Second, a specialist in nose surgery pays special attention to patient’s safety and guarantees that the operation is carried out in the operating room with adequate precautionary measures to exclude adverse effects. A qualified rhinoplasty surgeon has done several operations in the past and patients undergoing a rhinoplasty surgery need to have the assurance that the surgeon they are dealing with is competent enough to deliver the kind of results they desire.

About the Becker Rhinoplasty Center

The Becker Rhinoplasty Center is a highly regarded center for rhinoplasty procedures, founded by Dr. Daniel G. Becker. Dr. Becker is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty procedures. He has been practicing for over 20 years and has performed thousands of successful surgeries, making him an expert in the field.

The center boasts state-of-the-art facilities, utilizing the latest techniques and technologies to achieve the best possible results for its patients. Additionally, they provide personalized care and attention to each patient, from the initial consultation through the entire healing process.

If you’re considering rhinoplasty in New Jersey, you can contact the Becker Rhinoplasty Center here to book a consultation with Dr. Becker or ask any questions you may have about the procedure.