Lasix for post op swelling?

[Thelake1944]

Hello, I'm at about 1 week post op. I'm a little concerned because I have a follow up tomorrow and my surgeon may prescribe lasix depending on how much swelling I have, ( I still have a good amount.) I'm concerned because I've read online that numerous surgeons say lasix is unsafe for the treatment of post op swelling? Should I be concerned? Do I need a second opinion?

                           Joey

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Lasix is a powerful diuretic drug which is usually reserved from chronic conditions in which there is fluid accumulation (ie kidney disease, heart failure, etc).  Virtually no surgeon uses lasix to deal with normal post-operative swelling.

Dr Jacobs

[Thelake1944]

Thank you for your response Dr. I'm very worried, should I present this to him tomorrow at my post up? Should I switch surgeons? I feel as though I've lost a lot of my confidence in my current one.

[Litlriki]

I can't imagine a circumstance where I would prescribe Lasix for routine post-operative swelling.  I'm not sure why your surgeon would recommend something like that, presuming you're otherwise healthy.  Swelling after surgery is normal, and it's a part of the healing process, typically managed by mechanical means (compression wear, for example), not diuretics.  Switching surgeons in mid-stream isn't a great idea, but you can certainly ask him to explain his rationale for using a diuretic, and you might say you'd rather give the process time to resolve on its own, as it seems like that's normal based on your research prior to undergoing the surgery.

Rick Silverman

[Thelake1944]

Thank you Dr. Silverman. I would ask tomorrow and if it's ok with you I will relay to you what he told me. I'm actually from western ma. I do feel like my confidence in him has lessened.There is quite a lot of swelling ( I hope its not fat left from the lipo.) I know it's very early but how soon would I be able to switch surgeons if I'm not satisfied with the results? It would be at least 6 months right?