swelling of the legs after panniculectomy

Hi, I need some help with some swelling of the legs above my knee and on my thighs, I had a panniculectomy this past Monday and have been home since Tuesday and doing pretty good. Today I noticed some swelling on my knees and thighs and was wondering the reason for this and if you have any suggestions for alleviating this issue. I discussed this with the on call resident at the hospital and she told me not to worry about it. She stated that I should keep my knees up when I sleep or seat on the recliner(keep the knees above the heart level) and hopefully the swelling will go down. The drains are working fine and draining regularly. I have heard about swelling coplication on this forum and was wondering if this is normal and if there is anything I can do to resolve this.

I appreciate your help

I am 9 days post op tummy tuck also and I do sleep with my legs w/ knees up... doc wanted a pillow under knees immediately after surgery ..so far I have had no issues with swelling.
Good Luck  as always if not sure ask your doctor what he would like done.

Natalie

Yes what the DR. said to keep your knees elevated, maybe you were doing tomuch walking and gravity makes the fluid go down. I just had a brachio(arms done) and if my arms are down to long and I am doing to much my hand swells so I just keep my arms elevated and the swelling goes down, now it won't happen in 5 or 10 minutes maybe by the morning and watch your salt intake. Swelling is part of the pain of PS
good luck
Susan

Yep. Just confirming what everyone else said. I had MASSIVE swelling in my legs, and eventually my feet and ankles. I had leg lipo however. My doc said even if I had only had the TT, I would have swelling in my legs. Also, my upper body swelling resolved while my lower body got worse. He said that swelling works with gravity.

He said to alleviate it a bit (because it was REALLY bad), I could lay with my complression garment unzipped for a couple of hours with my feet propped high.

Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks for your response, it is appreciated.

I have read about a condition called lymphedema which can be a side effect of having PS. It affects your lymphatic system and can cause fluid build up due to the trauma that the lymphatic system goes through during Plastic Surgery.  Some of the symptoms are  swelling of your limbs, writs and ankles. My legs feel a bit tight,  and I can see swelling around my knees. II will try your suggestion and see if that helps with the swelling. Is this something that went away for you? Are you still experiencing the leg swelling? I wonder how long this will last?

I have read that if lymphedema set in it needs to be treated early or can get worst. the following is a link to one of the web sites that discusses this condition:

www.lymphnet.org/

I feel is is important for all of us that have undergone PS to be aware of this possible condition since early diagnosis and treatment is important.



Take care and have a good weekend

Yes, there are a few people who have ended up with lymphedema, and you are right to be aware. I seriously doubt you have it though. Even with my extreme swelling, its resolving on its own. My hands resolved at about day 5 or 6, but at 10 days, my feet were insaneley swollen- so badly that my ankles were discolored. Now I have feet and ankles, though slightliy swollen, and my knees are mostly better. I still have swelling in my back and abdomen, however. It's normal.

Thanks Katie, that is encouraging, I was very worried. I have tried to view your pictures but I am asked for a password, can you provide this? I think you mentioned that we could frined you, not sure how I do this? Thanks again

I am sure you don't have lymphedema, it is normal TT swelling. I was also concerned about lymphedema. I don't think he went anywhere near there for you to get lymphedema. Did your Dr. tell you that some swelling is normal. how is it since you are keeping your knees up?

Hi, thanks for your input. Swelling is better, I will sleep with my knees up from now on. I also put my knees up on pillows while seating the recliner and that helps. I took my compression garment for 2 hours today and went on the recliner and that helped the most. I was weird not having the compression garment, I was getting used to it. I will put it on shortly and see how the swelling goes. I have an appointment to get staples out on Tuesday so I will discuss this with my PS. This site is great and folks are very supportive.

Thanks again for you feedback.

my biggest fear was lymphedema also, but I think people usually get it when they are very big and they cut off  and put pressure from their weight on the lymph glands and thats what happens. I am glad the swelling went down, when I have my long sleeve compression garment on my hand swes when I have the short seeve one on there is still swelling but it is up & down the arm so you don't notice it
good luck with ur staple removing, now that I didn;t have, my PS doesn't use them
Susan