Swelling after surgery is one of the most common concerns our patients at The Piazza Center in Austin have. Many ask, “Why am I so swollen?” and “How long until the swelling is gone?” The reality is that swelling is a natural response to trauma. It is your body’s way of protecting and healing itself after a surgical procedure. While some swelling resolves within a few months, it can take up to a year for all residual swelling to fully subside.
However, there are proactive steps you can take to help prevent excessive swelling and manage it effectively throughout your recovery. Below are our top recommendations to support your healing process.
Our Top Tips to Reduce Swelling After Surgery
1. Wear Your Compression Garment as Prescribed
Compression garments are essential for post-surgical recovery. They provide gentle pressure to the surgical site, which helps reduce swelling by preventing fluid buildup. Wearing your garment as instructed by your surgeon will aid in contouring your results and ensuring a smoother recovery.
2. Monitor Your Salt Intake
Diets high in sodium can cause your body to retain excess water, which can lead to increased swelling. To minimize this, opt for a low-sodium diet and focus on fresh, whole foods rather than processed or packaged options that often contain hidden salt.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps your body flush out toxins and excess fluid that contribute to swelling. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day to support your body's natural detoxification and healing processes.
4. Prevent Constipation and Bloating
Constipation is a common post-surgical issue due to anesthesia and pain medications. When the digestive system slows down, abdominal bloating can contribute to discomfort and swelling. Taking a stool softener such as Colace or incorporating organic fiber-rich foods into your diet can help keep your digestive system moving and reduce bloating.
5. Consider Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage is a specialized technique that helps stimulate the lymphatic system, encouraging the removal of excess fluid from the body. This can significantly reduce post-surgical swelling and discomfort. Many patients report feeling immediate relief after a session. We highly recommend consulting a skilled lymphatic massage therapist for post-operative care, these are the two we recommend in Austin, TX:
Stormy Caldwell is a highly skilled Lymphatic Therapist and Nurse. Stormy is the owner of Texas Lymphatic Clinic, a luxury mobile lymphatic drainage service that specializes in providing post-op care in the comfort of your own home.
To schedule an appointment or to learn more about how lymphatic massage can support your healing, feel free to contact Stormy directly:
Call or Text: (979) 208-8277
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://texaslymphatic.clinic/
Austin Lymphatic has two central Austin locations with a very talented team of providers who we have worked with since our practice opened in 2010. They specialize in post-op care for our surgical patients and have consistently done an outstanding job with this work for over a decade.
Call: (512) 751-8146
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.austinlymph.com
We recommend reaching out to these providers. They can assess your healing progress based on their experience and how your tissue responds. Trust their recommendations and guidance.
6. Walk Frequently
Movement is key to reducing swelling. Walking for 10-15 minutes every hour while awake helps mobilize fluid, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). Even light activity can make a significant difference in your recovery.
7. Optimize Your Sleeping Position
Your sleeping posture can influence the distribution of swelling in your body. We recommend sleeping in a "beach chair" position—using a pillow under your knees and 1-2 pillows under your shoulders and head. This elevated position can help reduce fluid accumulation and provide more comfort while you rest.
8. Use Anti-Inflammatory Medications Wisely
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help manage swelling and discomfort. However, always check with your surgeon before taking any medication, as some NSAIDs may not be suitable depending on your procedure and overall health.
9. Take Natural Supplements
Certain natural supplements, such as Arnica Montana and Bromelain, have been shown to reduce inflammation and bruising. At The Piazza Center, we provide our surgical patients with these supplements as part of their post-operative care package to enhance healing and minimize swelling.
We also recommend this bundle of supplements to help accelerate healing post-surgery:
- BPC-157:
- Accelerates tissue repair (muscles, tendons, ligaments) for quicker post-surgical healing.
- Supports efficient recovery by enhancing the body's natural repair processes.
- N1O1 (Nitric Oxide):
- Improves circulation by widening blood vessels, delivering vital nutrients to healing areas.
- Reduces post-operative swelling and bruising through enhanced blood flow.
- VitaMedica Arnica Montana 30x:
- Minimizes bruising, swelling, and discomfort following surgery.
- Facilitates faster healing by improving circulation and reducing fluid accumulation.
- A natural homeopathic remedy.
- Stamets7:
- Strengthens the immune system using a blend of medicinal mushrooms.
- Enhances the body's defenses to promote faster, more comfortable post-surgical recovery.
10. Prioritize Rest and Quality Sleep
Your body heals while you sleep. Overextending yourself too soon after surgery can prolong your recovery and worsen swelling. Prioritize rest, listen to your body, and allow yourself the necessary downtime to heal properly.
11. Be Patient with Your Healing Process
Swelling is an unavoidable part of the healing process, and it takes time for your body to fully recover. Every patient heals at a different pace, so be kind to yourself and trust the process. If you have concerns about your recovery, your surgical team is always here to support and guide you.
If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your surgical consultation, please call The Piazza Center at (512) 288-8200 or request a consultation online today.
Rocco C. Piazza, M.D is the owner of The Piazza Center plastic surgery practice in Austin, TX, and is a Diplomate of The American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, as well as a national spokesperson for the ASPS. Call (512) 288-8200 and visit the website www.ThePiazzaCenter.com.
