Swelling

[atolhurst]

I had surgery on Friday and am now really swollen and bruised. How long do you think I can expect the swelling to last?

Is there anything I can do to make it go down quicker?

[andy-hughes]

That's a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string?' question - it depends what surgery you have had, and where.

The best thing to do is call the hospital and ask them for advice - your Consultant, or a member of his staff will be able to advise you about recovery times.

[alijangra]

anti-inflammatory pain killers (ibuprofen, voltarol), ice pack (cover it with a towel though so you dont get ice burn), elevate the area if that is possible.

What surgery did you have if you dont mind me asking?

[stylinsam]

it depend on wat surgery you had

[alijangra]

whatever surgery you have had, anti-inflamms and a cold compress will reduce swelling.

[alijangra]

Also, the swelling should get better over next few days, bruising will hang around longer depending on your own bodys ability to heal itself. Bruising and swelling are a normal inflammatory response to any trauma to the body's soft tissues. Any excessive heat, redness or discharge that looks and smells nasty (small amounts of clear, serous fluid is normal) then get to your GP pronto!!

[Jennykins]

It can take from 6-8 weeks in many cases.. put ice on it and take ant-flams.. and depending where it is.. its a great idea to get rest... and if the swelling gets worse then see your Dr..

JEN

[Belle Fast]

Raise the part operated on as much above your heart as possible to reduce swelling if possible (ie if it is your arm or leg). Putting a bag of ice on it wrapped in a tea towel will help too, but don't leave it on longer than 10 minutes at a time to avoid an ice burn. Get lots of rest and sleep too. Don't take too many anti-inflammatory drugs after the first couple of days as this can reduce healing.