Severe swelling in legs, 6 months post op vertical thigh lift. Is it lymphedema? (photos)

Question

I had a vertical thigh lift on January 7th of this year. I'm continuing to have severe swelling in both legs from my toes through out my calves. The swelling is twice as bad in my right leg. I've been wearing thigh high compression stockings the whole time but it's not getting any better. My calves have always been VERY large but now they are huge, I actually think they are bigger than my thighs. Could this be lymphedema and of so was it cause from the surgery? What can I do? HELP

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,You will need lymphatic massage on a regular basis to try to stimulate lymphatic flow again.  There is a chance it might not improve, however. Regardless, get started and find a specialist. Best of luck!

Susan Kaweski, MD · Answer

The question I have for you is can you fit comfortably in your shoes? If you have a job where you are on your feet or sitting for prolonged periods of time, swelling like this will occur. Wearing compression stockings is only part of the treatment. You need to elevate your feet at night on one to two pillows. If sitting at work, elevate your legs on a little stool. Also there are devices called sequential compression stockings that can help relieve this edema.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Leg swelling following thigh lift at six months likely secondary to inactivity; try to start an exercise regimen and you will notice signficant improvement as early as one month.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

If you have swelling of your calves and ankles more than several months after your thighplasty, I would be concerned that you may have some problems with your kidneys with fluid retention or even heart problems foir it is very unusual to experience that unless you have actually had liposuction of those areas. If you have, then the swelling may even last much longer than that. Definitely, see you plastic surgeon or your internest for evaluation.

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Even though you are far out from surgery I would suggest contacting your ps or pcp to obtain doppler studies of your lower extremity venous system to rule out a deep vein thrombosis.  You certainly may have some lymphedema  and if not a DVT you should follow up anyway for recommendations on treatment for the lymphedema. Peter Fisher M.D

Severe swelling in legs, 6 months post op vertical thigh lift. Is it lymphedema? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Why do I have prolonged swelling of my calves and ankles after thighplasty?

Answer: Why do I have prolonged swelling of my calves and ankles after thighplasty?

Answer: Severe swelling in calves

Answer: Severe swelling in calves

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Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

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Severe swelling in legs, 6 months post op vertical thigh lift. Is it lymphedema? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Why do I have prolonged swelling of my calves and ankles after thighplasty?

Answer: Why do I have prolonged swelling of my calves and ankles after thighplasty?

Answer: Severe swelling in calves

Answer: Severe swelling in calves

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.