POSTED UNDER Lipedema Surgery Reviews REVIEWS
Calf and Ankle Surgery - Scotland UK
ORIGINAL POST
After yet another holiday hiding my horrible legs...
canklescotOctober 3, 2014
$6,100
After yet another holiday hiding my horrible legs and fed up looking at women around the pool twice the size of me, with nicer shaped legs, I had had enough. I came home and went online to see exactly why no matter what I did, I couldn't change the shape of my legs. It would seem that I had something called Lipodema (not to be confused with Lyphodema). It was a bit of relief to know that there was a reason, but also disappointing to know nothing really could be done other than liposuction. So 5 days later I found myself sitting in the clinic discussing this with my surgeon. This was July 2014. I discussed the surgery with my partner, he wasnt keen but knew how important it was so I went ahead and booked it.
So the day of the surgergy came, I thought about backing out, but looked at my legs and went straight into the surgery. I had smart lip on my calves and ankles. I was sedated and felt nothing, the procedure last 1.5 hours, although it felt more like 20 mins. Imediately afterwards i looked down and saw 2 very slim legs. This however didn't last long. The swelling started immediately and my legs were bigger than they had been before the surgery. I was in recovery for 5 hours. I got home and whilst my legs were sore, it wasnt unbearable and I was able to walk. Wearing full compression pants - not very comfortable, but better get used to it as will be wearing them for 6 weeks.
DAY 2 - DAY 4
I have been drinking at least 3 litres of water a day and walking around 2 miles. When resting have my legs elevated. I have had very little in the way of pain relief - a bit of paracetamol and codeine - over the counter stuff. The swelling hasnt gone down much and bruising is appearing looking worse every day, which of course is good as its getting better. Ankles pretty big as are my feet with the swelling.
DAY 5
Bit of a breakthrough - swelling is starting to subside, although nothing miraculous and walking is becoming easier. Wearing trainers (sneakers) now as had been wearing converse and that was a mistake and the trainers act like shock absorbers and have also made it easier. Walked 3 miles today. Pain is still there - mostly just above the ankle. I am pretty squeamish so dont like to have my compression pants off for too long as legs look is still very angry, swollen and bruised, so compression pants only off whilst I shower. I was given 2 pairs from the clinic which is great. I have some photos from yesterday and I will post but only when I have other that some progress is able to be seen.
I have posted that I am not sure about surgery purely because its very very early days and I do not know what is going to happen.
So the day of the surgergy came, I thought about backing out, but looked at my legs and went straight into the surgery. I had smart lip on my calves and ankles. I was sedated and felt nothing, the procedure last 1.5 hours, although it felt more like 20 mins. Imediately afterwards i looked down and saw 2 very slim legs. This however didn't last long. The swelling started immediately and my legs were bigger than they had been before the surgery. I was in recovery for 5 hours. I got home and whilst my legs were sore, it wasnt unbearable and I was able to walk. Wearing full compression pants - not very comfortable, but better get used to it as will be wearing them for 6 weeks.
DAY 2 - DAY 4
I have been drinking at least 3 litres of water a day and walking around 2 miles. When resting have my legs elevated. I have had very little in the way of pain relief - a bit of paracetamol and codeine - over the counter stuff. The swelling hasnt gone down much and bruising is appearing looking worse every day, which of course is good as its getting better. Ankles pretty big as are my feet with the swelling.
DAY 5
Bit of a breakthrough - swelling is starting to subside, although nothing miraculous and walking is becoming easier. Wearing trainers (sneakers) now as had been wearing converse and that was a mistake and the trainers act like shock absorbers and have also made it easier. Walked 3 miles today. Pain is still there - mostly just above the ankle. I am pretty squeamish so dont like to have my compression pants off for too long as legs look is still very angry, swollen and bruised, so compression pants only off whilst I shower. I was given 2 pairs from the clinic which is great. I have some photos from yesterday and I will post but only when I have other that some progress is able to be seen.
I have posted that I am not sure about surgery purely because its very very early days and I do not know what is going to happen.
canklescot's provider
Replies (14)
October 9, 2014
Congrats&Happy Healing!
Do you have before&after pics?
October 9, 2014
I will post some pics soon. I'm still swollen, so want to wait til next week and I can post pics and progress over a 2 week period.
November 13, 2014
Hi canklescot. How long did you have drainage from your ankles? I had lipo in a bunch of areas and all of the incisions from where the canula was inserted stopped draining and healed really quickly (stomach, hips, back, inner and outer thighs and calves), but a few of the incisions on my ankles continue to drain. My PS said it will last a few more days, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I hate changing those dressing and having to put the compression stockings back on again because it is so painful on my calves and ankles. I am 10 days post surgery and my ankles still really hurt every time I stand up. The worst of the pain subsides after a few minutes on my feet, but still - I dread it every time. Also - I was not told to walk a few miles a day - did your PS tell you to do that?
November 14, 2014
I had smart lipo so it is different in terms of drainage. I was walking 2/3 miles a day by day 3 as my ps told me it helps recovery. I didn't have a lot of pain swelling was my biggest problem and still is
June 24, 2015
I have gained weight in my tummy, however 9 weeks before my surgery I stopped smoking so its difficult to tell what contributed although I think its a bit of both.
November 19, 2014
Hi there. I had my "cankles" done back in February. Make sure you massage... a lot and as deep tissue as you can handle. You have to break up the hardness, so really get at it. It hurts a lot at first, but starts feeling better. //
It does take a while for the swelling to go completely down, so don't feel too discouraged. My feet took the longest time to get back to normal... to the point I was just wondering if my feet had just gotten wider period! Nope.
I have to go back to get some touch up work done; smooth out some lumps and kind of refine the shape better. The jury is still out on if I'm HAPPY about the procedure, but the one consolation I have (if it just never looks good) is that I can now where socks and boots without constriction.
Beware of weight gain, too. That fat was removed and will never come back, but if your body was storing your calories in your ankles, your body now has to store those calories elsewhere.
Good luck! I know your pain! I'm glad to find another "cankle" sufferer to commiserate with haha.
November 19, 2014
Thank you. I don't think I could bare a touch up. What does it involve. Surely not the same again. Will it be easier than the first lipo? I'm lumpy and hard although getting better every week [RS bleep]
November 19, 2014
It'll probably be pretty involved if I have my way. I'm displeased so far... because of asymmetry and lumpiness. Honestly, the guy took out too much. I didn't really want my calves done, but he recommended it. I went along with it because I trusted he knew what he was doing. // Anyway, basically, I just need more removed under my calves/around my ankles... kinda did everywhere but where I really wanted. // My experience wasn't so bad or really painful, just hugely inconvenient and a lot of swelling (swelling sucks a lot). You're right, they shouldn't tell people they can go back to life as usual after a couple days. That's complete crap.
November 19, 2014
Hope you're not paying again. I just pray I don't need touched up. Good luck and keep me posted [RS bleep]
March 25, 2015
It's been a while. I did actually pay $500 for the room to get the revisions done. I'm SO glad I did it, though. My legs look much better (had it done about 3 weeks ago) and will look even better once the swelling goes down more. They'll never be perfect, but I'm still happier with them than I was post op.
UPDATED FROM canklescot
2 months post
5 week post op
canklescotNovember 3, 2014
It has been a long 5 weeks but I fear the next week will feel really long as I hope to be able to stop wearing my garment when I see the surgeon next Tuesday. It has been really challenging. The pain did subside after a week and is actually bearable, but the swelling just goes on and on. Anyone going through this needs to understand that the recovery is long and results are not seen as quickly as you'd like or as quick as other areas are. Same goes for the compression garments - 6 weeks 24 hours a day (ok 30 mins for showering) is a lot. I was regretting the whole thing 2 weeks into my recovering, because it is hard work, the swelling, the hardness, the lumps, the numbness, the bruising and that awful garment drags you down. I did everything possible to help my recovery. 3 litres of water a day, walking, elevating legs, bathing in epsom salts (only after 2 weeks). I just felt nothing improved. It is a slow recovery so dont anyone be disillusioned. However there is now light at the end of tunnel and I can now see some results. I actually have a calf and ankle! Still lots of swelling, particularly around the ankle, and a lot of hardness and some lumps. Massaging like mad to try and smooth this out, although I know its likely to be 3 months before it shows great improvement and 9 months to a year before they are gone (there is also risk they wont go - but I am not even thinking that way). I am sure that I am going to have good results and be glad I did it. Afterall I have been waiting 25 years to have a calf and ankle - so in terms of that - weeks is nothing really. I am posting some pictures although these are only from 4 days to 2 weeks, it just gives an idea of swelling and how long the process actually takes. I am not trying to put anyone off this, but if you are thinking about it, take on board what I am saying because its a difficult time for you and your partner/husband. I have a 5 week post op but I cant uload it at minute - but I will. I will also post my before and after photo as soon as I get it from the surgeon - which hopefully will be next week.
Replies (5)
November 3, 2014
Excellent, important points! People don't realize that joints are the most difficult places, because they are in constant use. Knees, ankles, and elbows! I had my knees done and it took thrice as long for healing as the ab area.
Continued happy healing to you. I definitely see the difference!
Continued happy healing to you. I definitely see the difference!
November 3, 2014
You are healing Beautifully!
Swelling takes at least 3-6 months. But it will be worth the wait.
Happy Monday!
November 13, 2014
I look forward to seeing your pics soon as I'm only a few days into my cankle surgery. Hope you will enjoy your new holiday legs soon. Xx
March 12, 2015
Hi there! Just checking in to see how things have gone since you last updated. I had the same operation a year ago: Smart Lip Triplex. Just a week ago, I had a revision. I'm not back at square one in terms of recovery... more like square two or three haha.
I hope you're seeing good results by now, and that your swelling has gone down enough that you feel somewhat normal. Don't be discouraged if some of your shoes still don't fit. They will eventually. I can't wait until I can burn the compression garment!!
Like I said, I did have to get a revision. When I went in the first time, the doctor just removed a lot of volume and didn't do much contouring (removed approx 1500 CC, about 3.5 lbs). I spent much of the last year feeling extremely discouraged... there was still fat around my ankles, and then my legs were also lumpy!! Ugh. Anyway, I'm finally feeling pretty good. He contoured my legs and they're looking much, much better... even with the swelling. I'm excited to see my ankles in 3 months. :)
Like I said, I hope you're seeing encouraging results by now. Good luck!
June 24, 2015
Hi Ceejoe, 9 months later and I am still lumpy. Currently having some i-lipo sessions but I fear that I have to have revision surgery. Like you its not size its contour. So disappointed. Got another 3 session and then go back to see surgeon. Please tell me the 2nd time round isnt as bad:( xx
UPDATED FROM canklescot
2 months post
Photo
canklescotNovember 10, 2014
I thought I had uploaded a 5 week post op picture
Replies (6)
November 10, 2014
I can't imagine there's a danger they won't go at this point? It seems like they're already gone…I see distinct ankles there between your feet and your lower calves. Are you still feeling fat/swelling on your ankles?
November 11, 2014
I am very hard around the ankle area and a bit around the calves. Still quite swollen. I have just been to surgeon and I have my garment off - its sheer bliss.
November 11, 2014
LOL! Know that feeling :D. But since you're still swollen, then you know your results will be even better than they are now. Feels like a triumph :D!
November 13, 2014
I think you are coming along nicely :)
Hang in there it literally takes 6 months to heal and see the end result.
Stay positive&hopeful.
February 7, 2016
Bella Besos have you had a calf surgery? I liked what you wrote cause it gave me a positive attitude towards my own case. I had calf implants and fat grafting in that area 25 days ago. The swelling is still there and when I sat down for a while, the pain comes back. I think everything is normal but it is so frustrating.
November 13, 2014
Oops! I accidentally posted my comment way up on your review by your 5 day post..., but please read it and respond if you don't mind, thanks!!
I hope you can post pictures so we can see the before and after. Also, how could you tell the difference between lipoedema and lymphedema? Is it because the latter goes away sometimes, or is there some better way?