Can i have chin liposuction if i've had lymphedema in the past? i had lymphedema after a lumpectomy a few years ago. is it safe for me to have chin liposuction?

This : This is a very very good question. If the lymphedema was isolated to the same arm as the side of the surgery, this is a well known risk is such surgeries involving tissues near the axillary regions. If you refer to your condition as lymphedema and it is actually angioedema, then that is a different picture. Regardless, it is an important point to review with your surgeon during you consultation. Be healthy and be well, james m. Ridgway, md.

You : You may want to discuss avoidance of an IV in the arm with lymphedema. Otherwise, i don't believe that this is contra-indication to surgery.

Yes: The drainage of the chin is different than the arm.

Yes : The lymphedema in the arm should not affect the drainage of the liposuction of the neck. So that should not be a reason not to do the surgery.

Yes: The chin drains via different lymphatic pathways so the surgery should not cause an increase in arm lymphedema. If you need and iv, you will want to have the IV used for surgery placed in arm that does not have lymphedema. Minor liposuction of the chin can often be performed under local, without the need for an IV too. Be certain to explain your concerns to your plastic surgeon.