Why are my legs swollen weeks after tummy tuck?

I had a tummy tuck May 23rd and am still pretty swollen, but really swollen in my legs (upper thighs). What's going on? And I think I might be losing hair. HELP

3 answers to “Why are my legs swollen weeks after...”

A: Leg swelling months after Tummy Tuck unusual

Steven Wallach, MD

It is extremely unusual to have leg swelling almost 9 months after a tummy tuck.  Swelling may be due to obstruction of your lymphatics or from clots in the legs Either way, you should be examined by your doctor, and maybe by a vascular surgeon.

A: tummy tuck complications

Pramit Malhotra, MD

I am very concerned. My initial thought is that the lymph system that drains fluid from your legs (the system connected to lymph nodes that exists throughout your body) has been disrupted. I have never seen this with a tummy tuck. You may need to have aggressive treatment for lymphedema including compression... more

A: It is NOT normal to have significantly swollen legs a...

Richard P. Rand, MD

It is NOT normal to have significantly swollen legs a month after a tummy tuck.  The greatest serious risk of abdominoplasty surgery is blood clots in the leg veins and this can show up as leg swelling.  Have your doctor check you for this with an ultrasound exam of the veins to be sure you... more

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