Liposuction under the area or extension of the incisions can solve or reduce the problem. If it remains visible, a small procedure under local anesthesia can solve the problem at a later time. Shortened operating time, postoperative leg movements, and walking soon after surgery help to avoid these problems. Although fat emboli and blood clots can be life threatening, they usually resolve completely with hospitalization and care by a medical specialist. If this occurs, aspiration of the fluid with a needle two or three times a week for 2-3 weeks usually solves the problem.
Few patients require further surgery.
During this period, you may find it more comfortable to place a pillow or two under your knees while in bed. The tightness will gradually disappear as you heal and progressively use your body muscles for the activities of daily living. Please make no special attempts to stretch or pull the abdomen straight during the first 2-3 weeks of healing. You must change your position and walk around the house every few hours to reduce the danger of blood clots. We will place an elastic abdominal binder around your tummy after surgery to provide some gentle pressure, to give you stability, and to reduce swelling.