Since lymphatic vessels are damaged or removed during liposuction or tummy tucks, how can swelling ever fully subside?

The lymphatics are damaged during any surgery but new channels are re-established as long as you have an abundant lymphatic system present before surgery. I always evaluate if there is any deceased or damaged lymphatics in the area before having the patient undergo any procedure. The great thing is that diet, lymphatic massages and proper compression along with taking anti-inflammatory agents pot-operative ly can all help to reduce swelling and help the lymphatics re-establish itself more quickly. May your healing process be a quick recovery!

The lymphatic channels repair/regrow over time allowing the fluid that normally leaks into the tissue (lymph) to be removed through the reestablished channels. This process can clinically take 6 to 12 months before you notice that you don't swell anymore.

In truth, this same thing happens with many surgeries including c-sections.  Damage to the lymphatic vessels is less common after liposuction than a tummy tuck, but the body has a great way of healing itself and the swelling does indeed eventually subside except possibly in an extremely rare instance, just ask the millions of women who have had c-sections.  Thanks for your question and best of luck should you decide to pursue surgery!

Lymphatic channels do have the ability to reform after surgery.  This can take several months to occur.  There are ways to mobilize swelling with massage, cardiovascular exercise, and compression garments in the meantime.  Hope this helps.Dr. Ali Mosharrafa

Great question.  The body has the ability to reestablish and repair lymphatics that have been disturbed.  Some swelling is present even when lymphatics are not injured (think about hitting your toe) and so part of the swelling you see with a tummy tuck and liposuction is just the result of injury and a normal part of the healing process.All the best,Dr Remus Repta

The body is an amazing thing and although the channels are cut with a tumy tuck, lymphatic flow will be reestablished and you will notice that your sweliing will continue to subside. Residual swelling can last a year or more but most women see their final results at the year mark.

When doing an Abdominoplasty, it is possible to dissect just above the lymphatic tissue. I do this almost to the level of the belly button. I find it really helps with post operative swelling and seroma formation. The lymphatic channels if damaged however, will reestablish themselves in a matter of three to six months generally.

In a liposuction most vessels and lymphatic channels are not damaged; however, in a tummy tuck these channels are transected.  Even though lymphatic channels are cut in a tummy tuck, it has been scientifically shown that within 6 to 12 weeks these cut channels will heal and re-establish themselves allowing the swelling to subside.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.