Lymphedema and Plastic Surgery

When I first went to see my plastic surgeon she told me that she would be doing all of my surgeries.  She even sent a letter to my primary care doctor telling him that she would be more than happy to do all of my surgeries.  She did my tummy tuck and so far the most major thing that has happened was my drain tubes falling out.  Other than that, there have been no complications at all.

Now that I am a month out from my tummy tuck and healing nicely, she is telling me that because of my Lymphedema she can't continue with the surgeries. She knew all about  my Lymphedema when I first went to see her.  She says that if I insist on continuing with them, she will refer me over to another plastic surgeon with her blessing.

I have no choice but to continue getting more surgeries.  I have so much excess skin on my legs that it effects my walking.  Getting around with all this excess skin is very difficult and it is disabling me. Does anyone here have Lymphedema and have you successfully had plastic surgery with no difficulties? I don't feel I can live through life this way.  I am still single and I want to be able to find someone, get married and have children.  In the condition I am in now I don't feel I will ever be able to do that.

I don't know how your lymphedema affects your plastic surgery, but I'm wondering if you wouldn't be better with a different PS anyway!! I can not believe that your drains fell out (I remember you posting earlier). Actually when you posted that before, I was wondering how competent she is. Would it bother you to go to a different PS?? Good luck, Nancy

I agree with the other poster, I'd find another plastic surgeon. Try to find one that is experienced in working with patients that have lymphdema. Good luck. Debi

Lymphedema would generally be a contraindication for operating on an extremity. Your surgeon is probably making the right decision.