There are 2 causes of swelling after a tummy tuck. One...

Richard P. Rand, MD answers: How long does Tummy tuck surgery swelling last?

I had a tummy tuck about 3 weeks ago.  How long should I expect the swelling to last?


Richard P. Rand, MD
16 months ago
By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

There are 2 causes of swelling after a tummy tuck. One is just the natural edema in the skin as a result of dividing the lymphatic channels to the skin as it is lifted off the muscles to accomplish the result. This goes away after 3-4 months.

The other cause of swelling a person might have at 3 weeks postoperatively is called a "seroma" and is a collection of fluid between the skin and the muscles. This can feel like a waterbed and have a fluid wave across the lower abdomen. If present, it may require drainage of the fluid by your doctor.

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