5 days post op lipo on knees calves and ankles. I'm very swollen and walk like a penguin. Is this normal? (Photo)

Swelling a lot in the lower legs is normal.  you should be getting lymphatic massage, hyperbaric oxygen and have double compression (furrow wrap or ace on outside of your compression).  It will take you weeks for the swelling to improve. If so severe, sometimes diuretics can also help.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Swelling is very common after liposuction to any area of the body, and can take up to 6 months to fully resolve. Generally, patients are able to return to their daily activities by the time they are 5 days post-op, but swelling can vary from person to person. It appears that you may have a non-graduated compression that may be causing excessive swelling. In addition, deep vein thrombosis, may also cause severe swelling and needs to be evaluated quickly. I suggest visiting your surgeon for a follow-up to discuss your options.

Remember that it's normal to have swelling after lipo. However, you seem to be very uncomfortable so best to check in with your operating surgeon so he or she can evaluate you and give you the proper advice. Good luck!!

Thank you for your question and photograph.  Swelling after liposuction is quite common for all locations, but especially in the lower legs as gravity will preferentially cause your legs to swell, similar to when your stockings or socks will leave imprints in your skin after a day of work.  Continue to keep your legs elevated, and make sure the garment you are wearing is not too tight as that may cause additional swelling to your feet.  Hope this helps

Swelling after liposuction is normal. Walking like a penguin is not.  You  might want to check with your surgeon.

Swelling is normal, and the areas you mentioned tend to have more swelling than areas higher up on the body (due to gravity).  It can take many months for all of the swelling in these areas to go down.  You should discuss this with your own PS.If you have swelling that is much greater on one side than the other, there may be a greater concern (blood clots on the calves).  While rare, this can occur, and should be addressed by you and your surgeon (if it's the case).I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf100

At only 5 days post op, you certainly have swelling that will mask your results. The lumpiness, numbness and hardness after smartlipo or other types of liposuction typically persists at least 8 weeks after the surgery then slowly goes away. In my experience, daily massage of the hard areas makes the biggest difference in getting rid of it sooner rather than later. It can take 4-6 months to see your final result. Hope this helps. Dean Vistnes, M.D.Vistnes Plastic SurgerySan Francisco Bay Area