Swollen joints after tummy tuck. Is this due to lymphatic drainage being changed?

Question

i had a full tt on 7/28/15. After about 2 weeks I started waking up with my joints in my hands hurting and not being able to make a fist. The right hand was worse than the left. After being up for awhile it settles down. I'm 54 yrs old and also had a hysterectomy 4/10/15. My ovaries were left so I'm still having hot flashes. I've been having hot flashes off and on for the last 3 yrs. Can this joint swelling be due to the lymphatic draining being changed due to my tt ?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I'm sorry to hear about your pain/swelling issues but these are not likely related to a Tummy Tuck. I recommend that you see your family Doctor to investigate other possible causes.All the best

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. The swollen joints are not related to lymphatic drainage changes. Unless you have total body "edema", it is probably not related to your tummy tuck surgery at all.  Hopefully, as you progress through recovery, these changes will dissipate. Otherwise, you will likely be best off seeing your family practitioner or internist for evaluation. Best wishes.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you are having the swelling in your hands.  However, there is very little likelihood that this is related to your tummy tuck surgery.  Swelling in your hands can occur after an arm tuck (brachioplasty) but not after a tummy tuck.  I would recommend you see your primary care doc to help work up the issue and treat it appropriately.  Best of luck with your continued recovery!

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I am sorry that you are having concerns about your procedure
and thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.

The swelling is not related to the lymphatics
that were altered with the tummy tuck. If that were the case your legs, not
your arms should be affected.

The possible explanation is the
positioning during your surgery. Another possible explanation is the fluid
overload and shifting during surgery. If the symptoms are temporary, it is
likely to go away with time.

Finally, make sure that your doctor is
aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.

Wishing you the best in your journey

Swollen joints after tummy tuck. Is this due to lymphatic drainage being changed?

Answers (4)

Answer: Hand swelling after tummy tuck... What is the connection?

Answer: Hand swelling after tummy tuck... What is the connection?

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Everything you need to know about Lymphatic Massage

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Swollen joints after tummy tuck. Is this due to lymphatic drainage being changed?

Answers (4)

Answer: Hand swelling after tummy tuck... What is the connection?

Answer: Hand swelling after tummy tuck... What is the connection?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lymphatic Massage

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