Re-expansion pulmonary edema: This condition occurs when a lung that has been collapsed for a period (due to a pneumothorax or pleural effusion requiring a chest tube) rapidly re-expands after the removal of the chest tube. The rapid increase in blood flow to the previously collapsed lung can lead to edema, which may cause swelling in the face and chest due to fluid shift and increased venous pressure.

Pneumothorax: Air can leak back into the pleural space after chest tube removal, leading to a pneumothorax. If large, it can cause significant respiratory distress and potentially lead to swelling due to increased pressure on the mediastinal and facial structures.
Hemothorax: Bleeding into the pleural space can occur after chest tube removal, potentially causing increased pressure within the thoracic cavity, leading to facial and chest swelling.
Chylothorax: If the thoracic duct is injured during chest tube placement or removal, chyle can leak into the pleural space, causing a chylothorax. This can lead to swelling and may affect nutritional status and immune function.

Tension pneumothorax: A life-threatening condition where air enters the pleural space and cannot escape, causing the lung to collapse completely and shifting the mediastinum. This can lead to severe respiratory distress, cardiac compromise, and potentially death if not immediately addressed.
Cardiac tamponade: Fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac can compress the heart, impeding its ability to fill and pump blood effectively. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause widespread swelling, including facial and chest swelling, along with respiratory distress and potential cardiovascular collapse.

Lymphangioma or lymphatic malformation: Abnormal formations of the lymphatic system that can cause swelling due to impaired lymphatic drainage. These conditions are rare and typically present in childhood but can be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained swelling.
Superior vena cava syndrome: Obstruction of the superior vena cava can cause facial, neck, and upper limb swelling due to impaired venous return to the heart. This is more commonly associated with malignancies or thrombosis rather than a direct complication of chest tube removal.