Is swelling of the ankles and feet normal 5 days after a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

Do u think it's because I've been sitting up all day and not laying down ? Or maybe haven't elevated them enough

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is fairly common to get some swelling of the legs and feet, because of gravity. I would try elevating your feet and see if that make a difference. Just keep an eye to make sure there is not more swelling on one side or pain in one side and not the other. Those kinds of things would be signs of a blood clot. If you are up walking around and moving though, I would not worry about that. If you do not respond to elevating the feet, then I would contact your doctor for them to evaluate you in person. Good luck with healing.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lashawne13,prolonged staying in bed and low activity level after a TT can cause swelling of your ankles and feet. It would be good for you to take short walks. I would suggest you to elevate your legs when you are resting in bed, you can place a pillow underneath them so that they are above the heart level. Also, you might try to move (flex) your ankles and feet once you are resting. In case your swelling doesn't resolve you should consult your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Generalized swelling of the hand and feet is not uncommon after tummy tuck surgery.  Ambulating helps mobilize the fluid that your body has retained as does elevating your extremities while laying down.  I would be more concerned one leg or extremity was significantly more swollen than the other.  This would be a sign of blood clot in the vein.I would discuss this with your plastic surgeon and an exam would never hurt either.Congrats on your surgery.

Jennifer Boll, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery. I would definitely recommend that you try to get up and walk a little every 1-2 hours. And when you sit you should make sure that your legs are above the level of your heart. You could also add in compression hose to help the swelling resolve sooner. This should go down in the next few days. If it does not start to get better soon, I would recommend that you discuss it with your surgeon. Good luck!

Disnalda Matos, MD · Answer

Hi, sweetie, if it's normal because when you squeeze the bellyAnkles so I always recommend compression stockings to avoid it besides keeping your feet elevated.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck. You are correct that not walking  and being up and active and staying in bed after a tummy tuck can certainly cause ankle swelling.  The more that you can be up and walking  though less likely he will have swelling.  If you are wearing a compression garment that can block venous return and also cause ankles to swell. In addition avoid salty foods which can lead to fluid retention.

Is swelling of the ankles and feet normal 5 days after a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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