severe swelling in the legs and feet post abdominoplasty

I'm so swollen in my legs. I mean, from my thighs, all the way down to my feet. It's horrible. Is this common?

The swelling happened about 6 days post op. I had some swelling before then, but not like it is now. When it happened, I contacted my surgeons office and they made me to go the ER to be checked for clots. I was cleared and have no blood clots in my legs, but the swelling is really severe, even 15 days post op.

I did some online reading and it says that the lymph system is disrupted and it restricts drainage of fluids. I'm just wondering how long this is supposed to last, because it's miserable. I haven't swelled like this since I was pregnant with my youngest. I was 40, weight 280lbs and was 7 months pregnant.

Two weeks post-op my feet swelled a LOT. I ended up wearing compression socks (up to the knee) for two days and that made a huge difference. You might want to call the surgeon's office again and ask - letting them know that you were already checked out for clots in ER.

Are you getting your fluids in?

I'm drinking like a fish. My follow up with my surgeon is tomorrow, I'll just show him my poor legs.

Laura makes a good point in her comment - I also have a garment that goes to about mid calf. It looks like yours ends above the knee? So it might be that you're not providing your veins enough support below the knee.

I did not have that issue but I know others have. I wore a compression garment that went all the way past my knees. I hope your doctor can help you get relief soon!!

How did your follow-up go, Deanna? Any suggestions on how to lessen the swelling?

I'm wearing my thigh high compression stockings, keeping elevated, cutting sodium. I hate these stockings, especially in July, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

I have a small hematoma, which is actively draining, so he wants me to use warm compresses for a week, then go back so we can see how far its gone down.

Drains are still in, obviously. The one on the right where the hematoma is still drains 60 to 80ccs a day of dark blood. The left one is draining about 40cc a day and will probably come out next week.

I feel so much better after seeing him today. I've been home with my feet up for all of half an hour.

It sounds like he gave you a good plan of action. I hope the swelling goes down and you get your drains out soon.

It's amazing! So, doc told me yesterday about warm compresses breaking up the blood, so when I showered last night I sat and compressed the area for about 10 minutes. I slept with my feet raised just slightly higher than had I been last night (think one extra thin pillow).

I woke up this morning and my swelling is almost completely resolved. My feet are still swollen a bit, but my legs are almost back to normal. Also, I had to empty the right drain 3 times this morning of dark blood. 60cc in about 45 minutes. The hematoma is breaking up and I'm feeling relief already.

That's awesome. Rest up while you can. Soon all of this will be a distant memory!!