Do New Lymph Nodes Grow Back After They've Been Severed or Removed? (photo)

Swelling of the lower abdomen is common after an abdominoplasty and this represents only dependent edema.  This usually will resolve over the first 3 to 6 months.  There is no permanent damage to the lymphatic system or the immune system from this or any other cosmetic plastic surgical procedure.

Dear Ruebix,

Thank you for your question.  If lymph nodes are removed during a surgery, such as a lymph node dissection during a mastectomy for example, the lymphnodes that drain the arm are removed, and swelling happens in this area.  This tends to have permanent effects and the lady commonly wears a compression garment on her arm long term.  In the case of a TT, lymphnodes are not removed.  The swelling is caused by surgical trauma.  This heals over time and goes back to normal.

Best Wishes,

Pablo Prichard, MD

Swelling after tummy tuck surgery is to be expected.  Swelling in your ankles that appears in your photo may be due to other causes unrelated to your surgery.  If it persists, you should speak with your surgeon or your family physician.