Calf swelling 15 years after lipo, is there anything that can be done? Has anyone seen this before?

Question

Have you ever heard of anyone that has lasting swelling after liposuction to their calves and ankles? I had lipo 15 years ago and my calves swell a half inch to an inch within hours of waking up everyday (but no swelling in my feet). When I wake up in the morning my calves look great and within hours they have swollen. Obviously it's gravity but it didn't happen before lipo. It's extremely frustrating, is there anything I can do? Has anyone seen this before?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Patients with underlying lymphatic drainage problems can have these aggravated by the trauma inflicted by liposuction. I'm not saying this which are in your case but lymphedema require supportive treatment regardless of the cause

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeking an evaluation for lipolymphedema or lipedema or vascular insufficiency.  I do not think this is from the liposuction, rather, we see patients edema improve after leg, calf and ankle lipo.  For now compression, exercise, and leg elevation at night should help.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Great Question. I haven't personally seen or heard about this before but it's definitely something that should be investigated by a physician. Even though you didn't have this issue before liposuction it's highly unlikely that this is related to it but it could be an indicator of an underlying medical problem.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

It is very uncommon to have lymphatic swelling after lipo that is permanent. In general elevation, compression helps a lot. In this case a proper exam, study of venous and lymphatic circulation could be very helpfull.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

I have not seen it but would suggest doing an ultrasound of the veins in your legs to ascertain there is no obstructionDt Corbin

Calf swelling 15 years after lipo, is there anything that can be done? Has anyone seen this before?

Answers (5)

Answer: Prolonged swelling after liposuction

Answer: Prolonged swelling after liposuction

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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Calf swelling 15 years after lipo, is there anything that can be done? Has anyone seen this before?

Answers (5)

Answer: Prolonged swelling after liposuction

Answer: Prolonged swelling after liposuction

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Calf Reduction

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