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

Question

I take it that we swell after TT for a long time because the lymph nodes and system have been severed in that area. And I understand that a year or so down the road we will stop swelling, but if that swelling was lymph fluid, did it settle down because new lymph nodes grew back, or how does that work. Is my immune system compromised now because I'm missing part of my lymph system? Do other lymph nodes take over? Such an interesting system. In advance, Thank you for taking the time to teach me.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

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.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

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

Mark P. Solomon, MD · Answer

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.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck does not remove lymph nodes. Most of those nodes are in your groin. Swelling will always settle to the lowest point due to gravity. The lymphatic sutem does somewhat accomodate but persistent swelling from lyphatic system is a major problem and not likely what you have from a tummy tuck.

John J. Bandeian, MD · Answer

Damage to the lymph nodes/lymph vessels can result in persistent seroma. A seroma is a fluid collection under the skin. If the seroma is large enough, it will make your tummy swell. However, unlike normal swelling from the trauma of surgery, a seroma can be removed with needle aspiration or placement of a drain. In fact, seromas should almost always be drained, unless they are minimal. Swelling from the trauma of surgery will persist for many weeks after the seroma has completely resolved. Again, lymph fluid is not the same as normal swelling from the trauma of surgery. Tummy tuck always result in swelling, but most tummy tucks do not have a seroma or swelling from lymph fluid. Your immune system is not affected by a tummy tuck.

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

Answers (5)

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