Management of Puffiness of Skin After Surgery

After surgery the area is usually puffed or bulged out. A swelling or puffiness can be due to accumulation of body fluid, growth of tissue or even due to abnormal activity or movement of any tissue. After surgery swelling is commonly happens. One can find it post surgery near breast, arm, shoulder etc. the healing process is accompanied with the formation of swelling and puffiness. This swelling should subside away gradually within 6-8 weeks of surgery. In case of surgery of the breast, the swelling may be painful and tremendously heavy.

The puffiness is due to provocative reaction of wound in any body part. The capillaries gets broken when damages happens in the body, these capillaries leak fluid to the tissues that surrounds damaged area. One can feel the increased rate of flow of blood due to the symptoms of inflammation. The fast gushing of blood flow results in redness and swelling. One can feel the area to be heated up naturally. Pain is caused when the pressure is developed. The chemicals released further cause irritation in the nerve endings.

Cyst formation, enlargement in organ like the salivary glands, bruising, and blood clot like the thrombophlebitis, abscess, and ascits is the accretion of fluid in the abdomen, bursitis in joint, infection can lead to skin puffiness. Sometimes inflammation happen when the particular tissue or the skin gets irritated with repeated motion like the tendonitis. It is natural to have the skin puffed at the surgery site.

The best way to treat in this condition is by ample rest and by treating the affected area. Take break from work that increases pain and soreness in the area. Ice packs or little elevation with pillows can be given to the effected area. Prolong sitting or standing should be avoided, gentle exercising will reduce the gravitational effects and the swelling will get reduced. Diet should have low sodium content.

Protect the skin from hot environment. Avoid sitting by keeping the feet hanging down for long time. Keep the feet rested in elevated position under a cushion. Control salt intake. And do not forget to do gentle exercises. Consume fluids to keep the body cool in natural way. Medications along with meals are a must. Take them as per instructions. In still the swelling persist then seek the doctor’s help and report the condition.