Swell Hell...

By **rosie** on 18 Aug 2011

Ladies, please be honest what is your story with the swelling? To be completely honest I am freaked out over this. Ive given my deposit and set the date and I'm starting to doubt my decision. I'm reading all this conflicting information and I'm wondering if its something I should actually do. My plans are to compete in a bodybuilding competition some time in 2012. Its something that I've been working toward for quite a while now. I've got some sagging skin that is getting saggier as I lose more and more weight but if there is a possibility that I may not be able to compete because of this surgery, I don't know if I would actually do it. Really, how long does the swelling really last? I know everyone is different, I get that but whats the average?

Comments (8)

dansgirl
2 months ago

swellng can ast 3 months - a year.. everyone is different..if you wanna do a BB comp this year, i would wait on the TT, its already almost may, you CANNOT work out **AT ALL** for a minimum of 8 weeks- so just sayn..i use to be a body builder as well, so i know what all is in the prep..wait.. i am 10 weeks post op.. still swollen & the more i do the worse the swelling is, and youll see thats pretty normal

raeraesd80
2 months ago

I am 14 weeks post op and swollen bad! I compare pics to when I was 2 weeks post op with drain tubes and am WAY more swollen now. I had a seroma at month 1, went away month 2, still had swelling issues. PS said would go with time was told no more garment or binder and could now hit gym, now 3rd month back to garment and binder daily and ice again because that swollen w/ pain. Tender and hard, not jelly like when seroma. PS says heal time could be longer becuase seroma but I feel I am getting worse, he wants me to do heated ultra sound to help with heal time. If any of you have ideas feedback would love to hear....I read vit C helps? I take anicare and it does NADA!

thedales7
1 year ago

I don't compete but I am a weigt lifting enthusiast I was very fit when I had my procedure 3 weeks ago and my swelling is now minimal. I drink a TON of water and take vitamin C 3 -4 times daily. I have been weaning off my binder. I think you will be fine by next year...you won't regret it!

foxybrown
1 year ago

I am a bit annoyed with the swelling as well. Will be 6 weeks on Tuesday, and trying to wean off my binder as I will be going on holiday on wednesday for a week, and am concerned that I am going to look pregnant. I can't imagine giving it up completely, as it really keeps the swelling down, however, I do not want to be wearing it forever? Need to look for some spanx or something I guess...ugh. And it feels wierd having the binder off...

Kimmers25 (Community Manager)
1 year ago

If your doctor gave you the OK to stop wearing the binder then go ahead and start weaning off of it.

Start by not wearing it at night and then work up to only wearing it half days. At least while you are at work and then wear nothing when you are at home.

Hang on:)

Kimmers25 (Community Manager)
1 year ago

Hi Rosie,

The average time for swelling is between 1-6 months. But note that it does improve each month. When you get into months 3-6 it is more of a lingering pesky swelling.

Here is a link to what some of our doctors have to say about Swelling After Tummy Tuck.

sicilianprincess
10 months ago

thanks for this link. Makes me feel better. I can't fit into pre-op pants! These are pants that fit WITH the old belly and I anticipated looking better with the belly gone, but they are soooo tight! I am almost 2 weeks post op (11 days exactly) an became quite discouraged.