Swelling
Patients will experience swelling after surgery, and many patients become concerned when the swelling lasts longer than they expected. Swelling is very common and is part of the natural healing process after surgery.
In general, the swelling will be at its worst on days 3, 4, and 5 after surgery. It will get worse before it gets better. The majority of the swelling will go away within two weeks after the surgery, but it may take as long as 3 or 4 months for the swelling to completely go away.
It is common for swelling to fluctuate over time. It can be better one day and can be worse the next day. The time it takes for the swelling to go away varies for each patient.
Patients should contact their surgeon if they experience the following:
- Rapid onset of swelling;
- Collection of blood under the skin that looks black and blue; or
- Collection of fluid under the skin that feels like a water balloon or golf ball.
