Edema (Swelling)

Edema, commonly described as swelling, occurs when excess fluid accumulates within the tissues. This can result from increased capillary permeability due to inflammation, lymphatic obstruction, or changes in pressure that allow fluid to leave the vascular space; in the surgical setting it is a normal part of the inflammatory and healing process that produces visible puffiness and sometimes firmness around the operated area.

Management focuses on measures that reduce fluid buildup and support lymphatic return: elevation of the affected area, appropriate use of compression garments or dressings, gentle lymphatic drainage or massage when advised, cold in the immediate postoperative period, and activity modification. Most postoperative edema improves steadily over weeks to months, but sudden, severe, red, painful, or asymmetric swelling may indicate a complication such as hematoma, seroma, or infection and should be evaluated by a clinician promptly.