LBL, swelling in calves and ankles?

[sarsar 824]

I'm 10 weeks out from my LBL. I also has Lipo on my outer thighs and the back of my legs. I noticed I have quite a bit of swelling in my calves and ankles, more in my left than right. This happens during the day and is worse by evening after I've been on my feet most of the day. Even if I haven't been on my feet all day they are still swollen. I do notice more swelling around my incision line and lower tummy after I workout. The swelling in my calves and ankles seems to be there even if I'm not working out.

I did ask the doctor about this and he says it's normal and it could last up to a year. Has anyone else who had a LBL had this happen? If so how long did it last?

[deedadumble 1,033]

It's normal. Your lymphatic system which moves Fluid around your body has been disrupted by the Lipo and the LBL. I've read that it take 3-6 months to get 80% better, but 1-2yrs for 100% improvement.

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

It is normal. I never got swelling in my calves or feet, but I did get it in the belly. Mine was minor but FELT huge. I wore stage 2 garments on lower body for a long time after it wasn't "required" because I hated that tight feeling and exercise or salty food triggered it.

[sarsar 824]

I can totally understand the stomach or even butt swelling but the ankles and calves really bother me. I don't understand why the ankles and calves can be swollen even though the rest if me isn't swollen. Strange. It's uncomfortable.

Edited September 10, 2014 by sarsar

[iamsoworthit 430]

Do you try and put your legs up in the evenings? That may help. I am having my lower body lift on November 19th and am so excited!

[MichiganChic 3,262]

I just had a LBL about 3 weeks and I have HORRIBLE swelling. I have visible swelling in my back, abdomen, and thighs. I also had really bad swelling in my legs, ankles, and feet. I also had brachioplasty, so my arms and hands were also horribly swollen. I have to say it's been pretty miserable. The swelling in my lower legs and feet went down a little in the past few days, but by the end of the day, they are swollen. I had a tendency to swell before surgery, and so I'm not surprised. I am a little surprised at how much weight I've gained, and how frumpy I look! I keep thinking I'm the only person on the planet to have plastics and have my waist circumference increase 3 inches. My skin is ridiculously taught - who ever thought I'd say it like that, lol!

My doc also said it's normal, but that if it persists, she might prescribe a diuretic short term. She does not require any sort of compression garment, but you can wear one. I've noticed the swelling is way worse around my abdomen without it, but then my feet swell worse with it. I think I'm going to invest in some good support hose and see if that makes a difference.

I'm still asking myself why the heck I did this to myself.....yet, I need another surgery for my legs and breasts, and I know I'm going to proceed, even though I'm beyond miserable. How crazy is that!?

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I was required to be in full body compression for 6 weeks, including legs. I wore them longer. Then as they wore out I switched to very firm support slack liners that went from waist to ankles. Avoid nuts and other salty food. Do put feet up etc.

Michigan - At 3 weeks out I was still on very limited activity. Basically still doing nothing. I cannot fathom a LBL without compression garments. They made me feel secure. I wore those pant liners for months post op and I always had more swelling without.

I also learned how to do lymphatic massage... never really sure it helped though.

Finally, I wonder if excess swelling means you are pushing it too much too soon. Or maybe you just sadly drew the swell hell card. Hang in there.'..Plastics ain't for sissies..people have a hard time understanding that I had minimal pain but alot of suffering during recovery. It's hard.

[sarsar 824]

I am still wearing a Spanx thingy. If my stomach has a lot of swelling at night I'll wear my binder to bed, too.

I also couldn't imagine not wearing some type of compression after surgery. I felt much more secure with it on and I felt like it held everything together.

MC, I hope your swelling gets better soon. Thankfully, I didn't have anything to that extent but I have read about others who have suffered the same way as you are. It will all be worth it in the end. Don't do too much, take it easy and try to relax and let your body heal.

[AZDee 138]

Not only did I wear my compression garment that went down to the knees but my surgeon also had me wear these really tight support stocking that my vein surgeon had given me, so there was no swelling as long as I wore them both...no place left to swell....

[Sweet Pee 349]

Even though your doctor is not requiring you to wear a compression garnment, please think about investing in a really good snug fitting Stage 1 Compression Garment. It can really make a huge difference. I also found information on the web about improving the lymphatic system, which has numerous things you can do. I know I was barely moving after my surgery, so the only thing I could do was take a Water Pill that I got from my local health food store, lay down, kick my feet up and watch Netflix. That was very helpful for me early on! Take it easy, stay off your feet and rest as much as possible. Remember, anything you need to do TODAY, can surely wait until TOMORROW. (Smile) Happy Healing!