Should my hips, legs, and feet be swollen on day 10 post tummy tuck and lipo of back and flanks? (Photos)

Question

I had tummy tuck and lipo of back and flanks almost two weeks ago. I am having a lot of swelling in my hips to my feet. I am wearing a compression garment as well as a binder of it. I still have my drain in and am wearing compression socks. Yesterday my right leg was double the size of my left leg. Today they are the same size. I woke up to both my arms hurting like they fell asleep and after being awake and mobile my right arm still feels weird. Is this normal?

Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
It is completely normal to have increased swelling after an extensive operation such as a tummy tuck with the addition of liposuction. Your body is recovering from the trauma of surgery and the swelling can take weeks to months to resolve.
It is important to note the difference between lower extremity swelling that is expected after surgery versus lower extremity swelling that can be associated with a deep venous thrombosis. If you are having extreme swelling of one of your lower extremities and have associated pain with flexion and extension of your ankle joint then you will want to go to the nearest emergency department for evaluation. 
Based on your statement above, it seems as though the swelling is fluctuating between the two legs and this is normal. Nonetheless, I always urge all patients to follow up with their plastic and reconstructive surgeon after surgery if there are any concerning changes or findings. 
In general, if you walk at least five times a day and follow your surgeons postoperative instructions your swelling should decrease over time.
All the best!
Alex Zuriarrain, MD, Plastic Surgery

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Leg swelling is normal after this type of surgery but you need to notify your plastic surgeon for a proper assessment of the problem as there are other possibilities to consider.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

With gravity, the fluid that is been placed to do the surgery as well as the edema that has been produced all will migrate downward. It's not uncommon for your shoes to be tight a few weeks later. I am concerned when you say one leg is swollen more than the other because of the risks of a deep vein thrombosis. This can be a irsk for a pulmonary embolus or clot to the lung. I would recommend you be seen by your operating plastic surgeon. Congratulations on your surgery

Should my hips, legs, and feet be swollen on day 10 post tummy tuck and lipo of back and flanks? (Photos)

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Should my hips, legs, and feet be swollen on day 10 post tummy tuck and lipo of back and flanks? (Photos)

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