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Inflammation

In a surgical context, inflammation refers to the response of body tissues to injury, infection or irritation, and is a protective reaction. This is sometimes referred to as acute inflammation. The symptoms and indicators of inflammation are redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area. Occasionally, inflammation can cause a loss of function.

While inflammation is a natural reaction to a number of cosmetic surgeries, excessive swelling or discomfort can indicate a delay to the healing process. As the body's immune reaction to presumed foreign substances, inflammation can signal the onset of infection and should be checked by a qualified doctor.

Alleviation of inflammation

One way to reduce swelling and alleviate acute inflammation is to apply cool pressure to the afflicted area. Another is to ensure that the area remains elevated and as rested as possible. Anti-inflammitory painkillers such as ibuprofen can also help.

If the inflammation is the result of infection, it must be treated by a trained doctor. The symptoms of acute inflammation normally develop within two hours of the original trauma and begin to ease after three days.