The incision is swollen after surgery?

After surgery, patients may experience swelling around the incision, which is a common phenomenon and is usually related to a variety of factors, including congestion, edema, bleeding, and inflammation. This swelling may affect the limbs beyond the surgical site and may even lead to more serious complications such as tension blisters, deep vein thrombosis, and even compartment syndrome.

Postoperative swelling may be caused by:

Surgical injury: Direct injury during surgery results in reactive tissue edema and hematoma.

Incision irritation: Foreign bodies, necrotic tissue, tangled ligatures, or overly tight sutures may irritate the incision.

Impaired venous and lymphatic return: Impaired venous return to the limbs may occur for a variety of reasons.

Reduced activity: Long-term bed rest leads to slower blood circulation in the lower limbs.

Excessive activity: Moving too much or too soon after surgery may cause swelling.

What methods can help reduce the swelling of wounds after surgery?

1. Cold compress: within 3 days after surgery. 1-2 days after surgery are when the capillaries under the skin of the wound are "active". At this time, you can take out the ice pack frozen in the refrigerator (or milk sealed in a plastic bag, etc.) and apply it through the gauze bandage on the wound to shrink the capillaries, reduce blood flow, reduce local congestion, and even relieve pain. The time must also be controlled well. The ice compress can be applied for about 15-20 minutes each time and repeated every 1-2 hours. During this time, the ice pack can be frozen in the refrigerator.

2. Hot compress: 3 days after surgery. After 3 days, the blood vessels are almost "homebound" and bruises may appear. Pay attention, it is time to change to a hot compress. The temperature can speed up blood circulation and promote the supply of nutrients to the surgical site, and the bruises will disappear twice as fast. Soak the towel in a basin of hot water, take it out, and wring it dry. The water temperature should not be too high or wet the wound. Apply it for about half an hour each time, and change it every 4-5 minutes. Observe the skin color when changing it. 3-4 times a day is enough.

Diet to accelerate swelling reduction:

It is advisable to eat fresh, light foods rich in vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients, which are beneficial to the healing of incision wounds and accelerate postoperative recovery.

Taboo: Avoid spicy, irritating food and seafood, medicinal food, and tonic food, as they may increase blood pressure and dilate blood vessels, causing secondary wound bleeding and forming a hematoma.

Knowing these tips is important to speed up recovery and prevent complications after surgery. If swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

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Editor: kiki Jia