Edema versus Fibrosis? What are they? Why do they matter after Cosmetic or Plastic Surgery?

When patients have cosmetic or plastic surgery they can experience typical symptoms like any orthopedic, neurological, or other types of surgeries. Two of the most common issues that can occur after any surgery is fibrosis and edema. Specific to cosmetic and plastic surgery these two conditions of edema and fibrosis need to be highly managed in order to produce the best outcome and avoid complications after your cosmetic or plastic surgery.

Let’s discuss edema to start.

1. EDEMA: Edema is basically the medical term for swelling. Edema occurs when tissue has been traumatized or irritated and produces fluid to wash, clean, or assist recovery in the by-products produced from the traumatizing procedure. Procedures that are less traumatic produce less edema. Procedures that are more traumatic produce more edema. Edema can also result from poor venous circulation (bad veins or cardiac conditions). Edema can hinder how rapidly your recovery from surgery as it can produce an environment rich in bacteria, infection, and elements that produce more scarring, including keloid scars. The presence of edema can also make the area of your surgery more painful. Managing edema is very important after surgery with management through:

A. Proper custom-fitted compression garments
B. Lymphatic drainage by a licensed CLT (Certified Lymph Therapist) performing MLD (Manual Lymph Drainage)
C. Supplements that promote healing and the reduction of edema.

If Edema is not managed properly it can lead to fibrosis.

2. FIBROSIS: Fibrosis is a body’s connective tissue response to repairing tissue after trauma, surgery, or injury. It can be a normal response in most cases but fibrosis that is produced in an extreme amount can turn what is otherwise good tissue into lumps, bumps, and hard scar tissue. Fibrosis can occur anywhere in the body but after plastic or cosmetic surgery it can create a change in the aesthetic appearance, lumpiness, bumpiness, and firmness, and sometimes be painful. Traditionally a person’s response to more surgery, trauma, or injury is more Fibrosis depending on certain genetic or environmental factors.
Procedures known for Fibrosis are Liposuction or Fat-dissolving procedures where fatty tissue is suctioned or removed and the trauma of the procedure may end in Fibrosis. Fibrosis can also occur after infection, seroma(watery fluid collection), or hematoma( Bloody fluid collection)

Fibrosis once established typically does not resolve or go away, similar to an external scar, one may get from a cut or surgery. Fibrosis can best be managed preventatively as above or special non-surgical procedures involving the breakdown of the connective tissue allowing for a softening and smoothing of the Fibrous Lumps or Knots.

It is very important to note that once Fibrosis has set, Lymphatic Drainage will not resolve Fibrosis. Lymph drainage helps to prevent Fibrosis but will not break down the Fibrous connective tissue.

For information about available Fibrosis treatments, please request a VIRTUAL EVALUATION through the Aspen After Surgery Center where we can provide a licensed medical expert to see your condition via ZOOM, provide an assessment, and alert you if the Aspen After Surgery non-surgical treatment may be right for you at 818-478-9208.
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