Outflow after the operation is common. They can last between 3 and 5 days depending on the number of incisions made. Where do they come from?
How do you deal with these discharges on a daily basis when you get home?
Why is there a outflow after the operation ?
Lipoedema surgery requires small incisions to pass the liposuction cannulas. At the end of the operation, Dr Nicolas Zwillinger does not close these incisions. This allows the wounds to heal better. From these small incisions, the serosities present in the body will drain away. Infiltration fluid, saline/anesthetic fluid and blood can flow out for about four days after the operation.
How often should I change my dressings ?
The flows are continuous or discontinuous but in relatively small quantities. The discharge is mostly serohematic or even just serous. On the first evening and the day after the operation, the discharge may have more blood in it, but generally the discharge stops on its own after three or four days. You should change your dressings as soon as you notice that they are stained by heavy discharge, and only then. You should therefore change the dressings no more than two or three times a day and perhaps not all the dressings every time.
It is very important to clean your legs thoroughly after each dressing change.
How to change dressings ?
The incisions are protected by dry sterile compresses covered by sticky dressings. These dressings are held in place by the pantyhose and bandages. The dressings should be changed as soon as they become stained and dirty. Simply replace them with new dry sterile compresses and hold them in place with the sticking plasters. You do not have to wash your legs every time you change the dressing. But you should clean the area well with disinfectant or saline. Dry well before replacing the compresses and sticking plasters. Once the dressing has been applied, do not forget to put the tights and compression bandages back on.
You are allowed to shower bare legged with all dressings removed. When you are clean and dry, you can redo your dressings yourself if you feel up to it or ask a home nurse to help you. In this case you should contact a nurse (internet, list in your local pharmacy) before the operation to arrange for her to come to your home regularly to carry out the care.
Be careful, to avoid staining mattresses, car or train seats, bring a sheet.
