Cosmetic surgery and lymphoedema - am I still able to get a mommy makeover?

Question

I suffer from slight lymphodema in my right foot. Am I still able to get a mummy make over ?

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

It would be important to know why you have the lymphedema of your right foot. If it is a stable condition and there is no underlying etiology which could be a problem after your mommy makeover surgery, there should be no reason why you can’t have a mommy makeover. Your primary care doctor, or your specialist who treats your lymphedema should be able to tell you whether it’s safe to proceed with this surgery. Mommy makeover itself should not lead to additional lymphedema. There are ways to maximize your safety at the time of your mommy makeover in spite of having this slight swelling of your right foot.  This would include compression boots during surgery and early ambulation after surgery.  Best wishes

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Mild, stable lymphoedema in one foot does not automatically rule out a mommy makeover, but it does change the planning. A mommy makeover can be a long combined operation, and lymphoedema raises concerns about swelling, cellulitis/infection, skin problems, wound healing, and blood clot risk, especially if recovery limits walking. The important details are what caused the lymphoedema, whether it is well controlled, whether you have had cellulitis before, and exactly which procedures you want combined.

Before booking surgery, it would be wise to get clearance from the clinician who manages your lymphoedema, or from a vascular/lymphoedema specialist, along with anesthesia review. Ask about compression use, DVT prevention, early walking, positioning during surgery, and whether staging the tummy tuck and breast surgery would be safer than doing everything at once. If you have active cellulitis, worsening swelling, skin ulcers, unexplained calf pain, or shortness of breath, elective surgery should wait and you should be assessed promptly.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hundredpence1,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

Of course, the relevant question is what caused your lymphedema. Did you have a melanoma removal and lymph node dissection? A tummy tuck should not affect the lymph nodes that received lymph from your lower extremities because the surgery does not take place in your groin. There are some older inner thigh lift procedures that do involve a groin incision and you would not want to have that particular operation (it is not a good one anyway).

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding a mommy makeover with mild lymphedema. Yes, many patients with mild lymphedema or similar conditions, like lipedema, can safely undergo a mommy makeover. In my practice, I have extensive experience operating on patients with lipedema, a condition closely related to lymphedema in terms of lymphatic and soft tissue challenges. This experience enables me to take specific measures to minimize risks and support optimal healing.

Lymphedema affects the lymphatic system, which is essential for draining fluid and managing swelling. Because surgery can increase swelling, especially in procedures like a tummy tuck or liposuction, it’s crucial to discuss your lymphedema with your surgeon. I often tailor the surgical plan for patients with lymphatic conditions, like reducing the extent of liposuction and recommending gentle compression garments to help control any post-surgical swelling. Additionally, working with a lymphedema or lymphatic specialist both before and after surgery can help enhance recovery, maintain lymphatic health, and support optimal results.

Having an experienced surgeon who understands the specific needs and complexities of lymphedema and lipedema patients is key to achieving a safe and successful mommy makeover outcome. While lymphedema presents some unique challenges, it should not prevent you from achieving your desired transformation with the right approach and post-operative care.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You still may be a candidate for a Mommy Makeover even with slight lymphedema.  Begin by visiting the physician who treats your condition and discuss your interest in elective surgery.  If given the okay to proceed you can meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more about the surgery.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If your medical doctor clears you for elective surgery, then you should be able to have the mommy makeover, but not the "mummy" make over. LOL.

Cosmetic surgery and lymphoedema - am I still able to get a mommy makeover?

Answers (7)

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