Swelling after buccal fat removal is perfectly normal. Nearly any surgical procedure will cause some minor swelling that should resolve during the recovery period. Considering most patients feel well enough to return to daily activities before swelling fully resolves, a common question after surgery is “How to reduce swelling after buccal fat removal?” Thankfully, there are many ways to prevent and reduce swelling.
The first step you can take in reducing swelling after buccal fat removal is actually to prevent swelling before surgery. If you take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or Aspirin, these medications can increase swelling after surgery. Avoiding them before and after surgery can help the swelling go away quicker. Additionally, some prescribed medications can cause or worsen swelling. Dr. Santos can advise whether to cease these medications prior to surgery.
Next, for most of his procedures, Dr. Santos recommends elevating the head of the bed to a thirty-degree angle. This can promote better circulation which can prevent swelling and fluid buildup.
Finally, exercise can worsen swelling. Dr. Santos will recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for at least two weeks. Making sure to get plenty of rest following surgery reduces swelling quicker.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. David Santos, call us at 206-430-1035. You can also contact us online using the contact form, chat, or our Price Simulator™ app.
