Is it normal to have edema in legs 5 weeks post-op Smart Lipo?

Question

I had smart lipo 5 weeks ago. Had abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, banana roll and knees. My swelling had gone down quite a bit. My stomach was looking flatter. Two days ago I traveled home for the holidays which was a 4 hour drive. I woke up this morning with pitted edema in my legs. I wear compression 23 hrs day and have been wearing compression socks on and off. Is this normal? Should I be worried? I was on my feet more yesterday and had more sodium than usual.

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

When you undergo lipo, your body produces fluid in the treated areas. Wearing a compression garment squeezes this fluid out of the tissues and into the lymphatic system. When you sit in a car for a long period of time this excess fluid slows down the normal flow of lymphatic fluid from your legs. You can manage this by wearing compression stockings on your legs or kicking your feet up on the dashboard.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the lower extremities tends to take longer to heal than other areas.  Prolonged swelling is quite common and will fluctuate with activities.

Robert L. True, MD, FACOG, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

Your 4 hour trip probably resulted in worsening leg swelling since your legs were not in motion much during that time. This normally is not a problem. You just have to wait a few more weeks than normal for the swelling to resolve. If it doesn't, see your physician for further evaluation.

Is it normal to have edema in legs 5 weeks post-op Smart Lipo?

Answers (3)

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Is it normal to have edema in legs 5 weeks post-op Smart Lipo?

Answers (3)

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