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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

Words of Warning About Swelling from a Tummy Tuck

ORIGINAL POST

I want to put this at the top because nobody will...

$6,250

I want to put this at the top because nobody will tell you this before you get it done: you will still have swelling YEARS after a tummy tuck! Not maybe or a few people but you WILL. This was the biggest surprise for me: when I went to forums and found out this was normal but no one told me at the time. Everybody should know this because I might not have done this if I’d known. I am 15 months post-op FTT. I went in for the usual reasons and I do like my results. I am much thinner and I have my figure back. Don’t get me wrong because I do enjoy this and consider it a good thing.

The surgery did as advertised.

The tummy tuck I think is just too invasive. Your body will never adjust completely to the new way you are, which is why you swell. Things like sodium are a big no-no. Your body will retain fluid and it will take up residence in your belly. Your lifestyle may have to change too. I used to always sleep on my right side; it’s just where I was most comfortable. I can’t do that now because I will wake up crooked in the belly area. That is something to have to explain! Then there’s the activity levels too. You get a tummy tuck to stay thin, right? Well, exercising makes you fat. Seriously. Whenever I walk or do any hard activity (e.g. heavy gardening), my belly swells. It may stay like that for days too. These are all things the nurses will sorta almost tell you but you have to experience it to get the full extent.

My advice: if you want to be thinner and think you can deal with changing your lifestyle in bizarre ways then by all means, go for the tummy tuck. It does work and I won’t lie about that. I just wish I’d known all this stuff first.

Replies (54)

I am so glad that you posted this comment because I feel that the swelling is to a point where I feel like I wasted my money and severely scarred my tummy and navel for nothing. I cant eat or drink anything that day if I plan on looking slim for an evening out or something just as before. I am 4 almost 5 months post op and getting depressed and worried. Thanks again!
Don't get discouraged. Some people take a little more time to heal, depending on just how much work was done.... usually it is the accompanying LIPO that makes up for much of the swellinh and bruising, and that can take up to a year to calm down. Massage your tummy very vigourously with vitamin e oil once or twice a day. Also, silcone bandages, available at some drug stores and you surgeons office, will work on the scarring. I am lucky that I don't scar..... you can't even tell I had it done... but the badages and vitamin e sure helped.
Hello dear, I'm almost 6 weeks pot op TT I Love the results, my belly looks great in the mornings when I'm lest swollen, but at nights it swells I start looking 4 months pregnant. Is this normal ?? Usually by the three months I hear that swollen look does go away. What's the best way to get rid of it completely?? Massages daily ??
Thanks for the info. This is something im hearing for the first time, have you heard of this ever going away?
I had a tummy tuck five years ago, after I had lost 70 pounds. I went to 110 pounds, with so much loose skin on my lower abdomen, I was wondering if the weight loss was worth it. I had heard horror stories about the recovery period, and of possible loss of sensation to the abdomen area, but I was determined to give it a go. Yes, the first week was hard.... and painful, much like me C section 10 years before, but with no adorabalr baby to show for it. I was back in the gym in two weeks, lifting heavy weights agin in 4. Yes, I experience some swelling for a couple of months, certainly not YEARS. I had my surgery on Mother's Day, and was showing off a six pack by in a bikini by July. I exercise A LOT ( 5-7 days per week), and I never experience anything like the girl posting did. I watch what i eat, but I am not terribly restrictive ( if I want chips, I have some, just not the whole bag). I sleep exactly the same way I used to... I have several gym buddies who have the procedure done, and none of them experienced anything bad, either. I take issue with your blanket statement that you WILL have swelling for years afterwards; simply not true. I think your experience is atypical. My suregery was five years ago, and I still have an exceptionally flat tummy, complete with the 6 pack, and I am in my mid forties.... the gals at the gym are always commenting on my abs. The big thing is to go into this surgery in your absolute best shape that you can manage... you will recover more quickly, and have less side affects. This IS major surgery, and should be thought out carefully before you proceed. If you are not committed to eating clean and exercising regularly, there is no point in putting yourself through this thing, because the results will not be what you are expecting, and what results you do get will not last.
Thank you for your side of the story. It's good to hear both sides... After reading that other womans warning about swelling I almost backed out. I wonder how often that stuff happens? And was it the surgeons fault in any way? I'm 42, I've had 3 C-sections 13 yrs ago with the "bikini-cut" scar right above the hair line....also had a partial hysterectomy thru the belly button 7 yrs ago. With my last child my belly button got herniated...lovely....my cute "inny" isn't so cute any more after they "fixed it"....crappy fix job. Any how, I'm very tall and slim, but this belly issue is really frustrating me. I already had a boob job about 6 yrs ago and have no regrets and I'm not afraid of surgery. After 3 c-sections and another abdominal surgery, how could my stomach muscles NOT be dammaged and in need of repair. I don't have any weight to lose...other than loose skin around my abdomin...and no amount crunches or exercise will make loose skin go away right??? If the surgery went well I don't think I would have any regrets at all. Clothes would fit better and more comfortable right?? I did talk to a plastic surgeon and he said that 100% of his patients reported much better back health after having their stomache muscles fixed. Did your back feel any better? Did you have any back problems before you had it done? Thanks, klb
Dear KLB, Here is my posting thus far..I warn you it is a bit lengthy, but informative, I hope: I had my tummy tuck with lipo on 2/29/2008. The surgery went very well and I am bandaged up for the moment. I have two drains which I must measure each day. The pain was severe on the first day, and moderate the second day. It is now the third day and I am feeling better than the first two days. It is essential to have someone home with you the first few days. Thank goodness I have a wonderful husband and son to assist me. I will get back to you once I return to the doctor to let you know the status. I am happy I did it, but will see the results when the bandages are removed. I have just had my post-op exam om 3/5/2008. It went went well. The two drains were removed and I am feeling better. I can stand up straight, which is good, because I was getting a backache hunched over for a bit. I looked at my belly when the dr. changed the bandages and although swollen, it looks like it will heal very well. I am on a regular diet, but don't consume as much as before becasue of the band around the stomach area. Other than that, I will keep you posted. Be Well! I had general anesthesia during the ambulatory procedure and subsequently, I was placed on percostat for pain, antibiotics and a medication for muscle spasms. I did find the percostat did cause constipation and also made me very drowsy. Thus, I contacted my doctor and he allowed me to split the pill in half. As for the spasm medication, I only needed them for a few days and of course the antibiotic is necessary until the bottle is empty. I have showered and was finally able to see myself completely in a full length mirror. While I am still swollen, I like the results thus far. Tomorrow makes one full week since the procedure, so I figure it can only get better. It has now been three weeks since my surgery (3/24/2008) and I am feeling so much better. The swelling has gone down considerbly. I do wear a compression garment everyday and all day and even to bed. I also think the results are GREAT thus far, and can only get better. I have an appointment next week for a post-op and will let you know the results. I agree that everyone is different and I take exception to the person who has had such difficulties. I don't that is customary. I too had a c-section and the dr. cut along the same line, so that I would only have one line, which is just fine. I feel much better. As long as you do your homework about the dr. you choose, I am sure all will go well. If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to ask. All the Best.
Dear Freehold. sounds like if you have had a wonderful experience, congrats!!! I myself am planing one,but of course I do have fears...for some reason I'm affraid of the intubation part and I know I will be asleep. I will be doing mine @ the University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital which is one of the TOP 10 in the COUNTRY!!! and my sister works in the OR so i should not feel this way, but I guess it's fear of the "unknown". I have had 2 c-sections with the last one also having a tubal ligation...i'm not scared of the pain at all. Do you have any words of encouragement for me please...i love the way you expressed yourself. Thank, MM from Miami.
Dear MM, Thanks for the compliment. Also, I just happened to have a post-op appointment with my doctor today and he says I am doing very well. I am a bit tender around the surgical scar area, but it more of a discomfort. Also, it sounds to me like you are in good hands and have done your researh. Additionally, having the support of your sister should calm you of any fears regarding the intubation part and subsequent post-op, since she works there. I am sure it will go well. I too was fearful, but my doctor and his staff were very understanding and believe me, once you are there, you will be at ease. Please let me know how smoothly everything will go, as I am sure it will and you will be very happy with your results. Further, if you have had 2 c-sections, this will most likely be a piece of cake for you. I too, had a c-section and felt the recovery was more difficult at that time. Today, my doctor told me to massage the area at least 10 minutes per day with lotion and/or vitamin E at least 2x per day. Also, he requested that I purchase Neosporin Scar Solutions to flatten the scar. I am now 1 month post-op and am working (office work) and am fitting into my day a 5 mile walk each day. Overall, I am feeling much better, and my results seem to be coming along nicely, as I am sure yours will. Again, kindly let me know how smoothly your surgery went. I wish you all the BEST!
Dear MM from Miami~I'm wondering if you have had your surgery yet? I'm having mine tomorrow, and I'm really nervous about it. I, too, have had 2 c-sections. If you have a chance, please write and let me know how you are doing. Thanks! Lili
What kind of workout you are doing to get your 6pack abs? i am on my 3months now, and i have trouble doing sit up, it hurts. now i am worried because i have two months to get ready for my physical fitness test. any advice. thanks.
Thanks SO much for your post. I will admit that I have started getting VERY frustrated with the post work-out swelling. Though I know it's "normal" (I'm only 13 weeks PO), I swell 1-2 inches in my waist and hip measurements after a Crossfit workout. I'm only going twice a week for right now, and doing gym rat stuff the other days. I know that swelling is normal for now, but I'm glad that yours went on for a couple of months. So, I won't panic (I see my doc in two days anyway), and just keep trudging along. Thanks again!
I am 3 months post op and still look like a buddha in my upper belly and I am frustated,but I have others tell me to be patient. But like the first poster,I too have to watch what I eat or what I do,because I swell lke a balloon
I am a 35 year old mom of four and am 4 weeks post op tomorrow. I had mini tummy tuck with muscle repair, lipo of the upper and lower tummy, flanks and dorsal roll along with upper arm lipo on March 4, 2010. I, too, am very swollen in my upper belly and flanks. I am worried that my lower belly didn't get enough skin removed because it too is swollen and I don't see how it will be flat once the swelling goes down. Sometimes it looks as if I have a rubber band wrapped around my waist, almost like I have two bellys. Anytime I eat, I swell up like crazy. I am way bigger then I was before the surgery. I have never had a big stomach, just excess skin and a little belly fat. I am so worried that I am never going to have a figure again.
I think it's a far cry to say *everyone WILL* have this or that. I am new to the tuck (2 weeks) but I did an extensive amt of homework and have been heavily active in support networks and this is the very first time I've heard this. What I hear most often is you will have bouts of swelling for up to a year. Never heard exercise makes you fat. I find a hard time believing that one. Sounds like something is going on that you should discuss with your Dr.
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