Did my Ps Hit my Lymph Node?

Persistent unilateral lower extremity swelling is unusual following combined liposuction and thigh lift procedures and should be investigated vigorously whenever it occurs. Although it's not unusual for patients to have swelling following this type of surgery, it's unusual for it to be unilateral. The bumps located beneath your incision are probably an unrelated phenomena. This often occurs following thigh lift surgery as the buried absorbable sutures start to dissolve and create inflammatory nodules.Unilateral lower extremity swelling following thigh lift surgery can be related to the formation of blood clots in the lower extremities. These deep venous thrombosis have the potential to break free and go to the lungs where they can cause life threatening situations.Another possibility is the development of lower extremity lymphedema. This diagnosis can result in chronic disability and the need for lymphatic massage. This condition may be related to disruption of the normal lymphatic channels during surgery.When unilateral lower extremity swelling occurs, it should be aggressively investigated. The treatment will depend upon the causative factors. It's, therefore, important to consult your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Your surgeon should be able to evaluate your situation and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

Hello and thanks for the question and photos.Thigh lifts are always associated with some swelling post operative and it is not uncommon for it to last some time as well. The lymph nodes may be affected in this are and the lymphatic system may be caught up in scar. This will probably resolve with time. The knots you can feel when you massage are most like just some scar tissue which will resolve with time and the sensitivity you are experiencing is related to the surgery as some superficial nerve may have been stretched, pulled or cut which can give the type of discomfort and sensitivity you are experiencing. Again this may settle however it will take some time. I would recommend that you contact your surgeon and ask them to examine you thighs to ensure that all is OK and you do not require any further investigaton.RegardsStephen Salerno