Is extreme swelling 4 weeks post op for cankles normal? (Photo)

Question

I had Smart Lipo on my cankles. My doctor closed the incisions and the swelling in my legs is extreme and at times, a little painful because it hurts to bend my feet due to all of the fluid retention. I can’t sit for longer than 5 minutes without my feet/ankles swelling. I drink plenty of water and wear compression. I’ve also tried 3 rounds of Lymphatic massage and cupping. Neither of which worked. I can’t find shoes that fit me anymore. Is this normal?

Gregory Chambon, MD · Answer

This area is one of the slowest to recover. The circulation is poor so it takes much longer for swelling ans bruising to clear. There also is very little space for swelling, so this area is usually more tender postop. No reason to worry at 4 weeks.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This area is known to give swelling for longer time and will take more time to recover. Please follow instructions from your PS and ask for evaluation.

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome
to our forum!
Congratulations
on your recent procedure...The procedure of liposuction is an
"insult" to the soft tissues, resulting in swelling which will
initially totally obscure the operative result. As swelling represents an
accumulation of tissue fluid within the soft tissues, it will tend to
gravitate downward. When in bed with extremity elevation, it will improve,
and when up and around, it will again gravitate downward. We recommend limiting
activities and practicing leg elevation whenever possible until swelling
subsides.
Picture a cylinder filled with water...Puncture the vessel near the top and water will spill out. Puncture near the bottom, and water will pour out under pressure. Venous pressure is higher at the ankles than at the trunk when standing erect. Swelling will last longer in the lower extremities than the trunk. It may take 6 months or so for the swelling to totally subside. 
The
purpose of a compression garment is to prevent bleeding and to control
swelling. We usually recommend its use for 3 months after the
procedure. 
60-80%
of the swelling should subside within the first 6 weeks, with the remainder
slowly subsiding over 6-12 months.
Continue
followup care with your plastic surgeon...
Best wishes...

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

you need to give it months for this area to fully resolve. You should still be active but when you rest and sit and sleep, try and elevate your legs to your heart level. also i would suggest months of a comfortable compression garment. You need lots of patience for this area to see your final result.david berman md

Is extreme swelling 4 weeks post op for cankles normal? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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