I am 10 days post op from having a BBL procedure. My legs/feet are very swollen (asymmetrical). Is this a normal side effect?

Question

I have been wearing my garment and compression socks religiously, only taking them off when I shower and wash them.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

The swelling you are experiencing in your legs and feet are more than likely secondary to where the fat came from as opposed to the BBL.The farther down the leg the fat is harvested from, the greater likelihood of swelling and bruising all the way down to the feet.  The asymmetric nature of your swelling is common, and in fact, symmetrical swelling would be very uncommon.  Wearing compression socks and garments can be useful.  Unfortunately, pressure on the lymphatics (system that brings fluid back from the lower extremities to the heart) from the BBL, etc. causes fluid to be driven back into the tissue leading to the swelling you are experiencing.  If you were my patient, I would recommend 20 minutes out of every hour, you lie down flat with your feet on several pillows above the level of your heart.  This will allow gravity drainage out of the lower extremities leading to less swelling.  At this point, it would be appropriate for you to get in touch with your Board Certified plastic surgeon to see what he or she recommends for your lower extremity swelling.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

While some swelling can be expected, asymmetrical swelling is a little bit more concerning for a blood clot in your leg, especially if it is accompanied by tenderness/pain in your leg as well as any low grade fevers. If you have either of these symptoms you should probably be seen by your physician immediately. Swelling can also happen if you have had liposuction from your legs as part of the procedure. Regardless, if the asymmetric swelling persists I would recommend bringing this up to your surgeon sooner rather than later.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Swelling after a BBL is common.  It will often end up in the legs and swelling in this regions is fairly common. If concerned, speak to your surgeon.

I am 10 days post op from having a BBL procedure. My legs/feet are very swollen (asymmetrical). Is this a normal side effect?

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after BBL

Answer: Swelling after BBL

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I am 10 days post op from having a BBL procedure. My legs/feet are very swollen (asymmetrical). Is this a normal side effect?

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after BBL

Answer: Swelling after BBL

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Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

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