Swelling in feet and ankles after mommy makeover surgery, what to do? (Photo)

Question

I started having selling in my feet and ankles today and I'm five days post surgery. Should I be concerned? What do I need to do to alleviate selling? Walk more or elevate my feet,etc. I look nine months pregnant.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Please let your surgeon know as this should be monitored. Your surgeon will let you know what can be done to alleviate swelling. This may include elevating your feet and reducing sodium intake.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

It sounds as if your support garment may be too tight. Schedule an appointment to see your surgeon as soon as possible. In the meantime, yes, walking and elevating your feet should both help. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Tahnk you for your question and photos. It can be common for swelling to settle into the extremities with gravity post op, however asymmetry or any pain asscociated with that is concerning. Elevating your legs is a good first step but I recommend that you contact your Plastic Surgeon right away in order to rule out anything more serious.Take care

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thanks for your picture.  Swelling after surgery can be due to fluid regulation in your legs.  Elevating your legs helps but most importantly you need to inform and see your plastic surgeon ASA

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

Some postoperative swelling in the feet and ankles is common after abdominoplasty procedures, especially if there has been a lot of liposuction.  The normal type of postoperative edema should be completely painless.  It can be helped by elevation of your legs and compression stockings.  If you have unilateral or painful swelling it may be indicative of a more serious problems, such as venous thrombosis.  You definitely ought to talk to your doctor and be assessed for your concerns.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to contact your surgeon to make her/him aware of the swelling.  In the meantime watch your fluid and salt intake.  Be sure to walk around as directed.  Elevate legs when seated and move your ankles on a regular basis.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Dear TK4076:Swelling can be quite common after any surgery, particularly if there is a lot of liposuction done with your procedure(s).   I am however concerned that in your 2nd photo, you mentioned that the swelling is significantly more on your right lower extremity.   I think it is important for you to see your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.  One of the risks of any surgery is a blood clot (a.k.a. deep vein thrombus).   Depending on what your plastic surgeon sees, he/she may recommend an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot.  Although symmetric swelling is likely associated with normal postop edema (this will get better with elevation and ambulation), differential swelling (increased swelling more in one for than the other) is concerning for a possible blood clot.  This may need to be ruled out. Please see your PS.Best wishes for a speedy recovery.Dr. BasuHouston, TX

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,This could be nothing or indicative of a real problem. Contact your surgeon to help sort it out.Best Regards,John Di Saia MD

David Dellinger, DO, FACOS · Answer

While this is a very common finding after surgery, I would agree that notifying your surgeon is important. Fluid retention after surgery is common, and you appear to be wearing a compression garment, which will trap fluids in the area below the bottom of the garment. Tummy Tucks and the garments also put more pressure in the abdominal area which may slightly slow the flow of blood and fluids returning from your legs to your heart and lungs.The biggest concern is the possibility of a blood clot in your legs, which while fortunately rare, is serious. Only an examination by your surgeon, sometimes combined with an ultrasound, can definitively diagnose this condition.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Although having swelling is common after a tummy tuck, having it in your legs especially with one being worse than the other is worrisome for a blood clot.  Notify your PS immediately and if you cannot get a hold of your doctor got to the nearest emergency room.

Swelling in feet and ankles after mommy makeover surgery, what to do? (Photo)

Answers (12)

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