Feet and Ankles Swollen 3 Days After Liposuction - Is This Normal?

Question

Had tumenscent lipo 3 days ago now my feet and ankles are swollen is this normal or should I be concerned? Is there anyway to stop this from happening.Thanks.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There could be multiple reasons for your swelling. If your liposuction were on done on your thighs, then gravity can bring fluids down to the lower legs and ankles. If you had been taking some medication for pain such as Motrin (although this causes bleeding and many doctors have you avoid it right after liposuction) you could get swellling in the legs. If a compression garment was worn from hip to below the knees, it might have constricted the blood flow making the lower legs more swollen. If you were sitting rather than lying with your legs elevated after liposuction on the lower abdomen or thighs then swelling could be more prominent. Some people are deficient in protein and that can cause more swelling and others have heart congestion which can contribute to the swelling but the latter two might be discovered during the preoperative clearance prior to liposuction. You should check with your liposuction surgeon if your condition is normal or needs attention. If one leg is painful and swollen then a blood clot has to be ruled out, it would be rare but not impossible for it to affect both legs. Let your surgeon decide if you need a work up or not.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However it may take 6-9 months to disappear completely. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly the process will proceed. If you are concerned or if it does not improve, speak to your plastic surgeon to get it examined.Regarding the swelling of your feet and ankles - see your surgeon about this to see if it is from a too tight garment, expected, or potentially from other causes like a venous clot in your legs that needs treatment.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Following liposuction it is normal to have swelling.  Swelling is fluid in the tissues and this will descend with gravity to your feet (if the liposuction was on your thighs).

However, a condition called DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis) can also cause swelling so it is best to always notify your surgeon about your foot swelling (especially if only one side is swollen and if you have pain/discomfort in your calves)

To prevent the swelling from progressing or getting worse, the best thing is to elevate your feet and to wear compression garments on your leg.  Whenever you are not up on your feet, you should lie down and lift your feet up above the level of your heart.... sitting and lifting your leg up on a chair is not enough.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Yes, some swelling of the lower extremities is normal after liposuction surgery. This may be related to the intravenous fluid that you received during your operation or because of fluid that has tracked down ( because of gravity).

	Occasionally swelling may be related to the presence of deep venous thrombosis (clotting).

	Always safest to check with your plastic surgeon in person.

	Best wishes.

Feet and Ankles Swollen 3 Days After Liposuction - Is This Normal?

Answers (4)

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