I Am 4 Days Post-op from a TT and Just Started my Period. Will This Affect My Recovery?

Question

I am concerned how this affects my recovery and how to handle this with the garments, swelling etc.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Period after a Tummy TuckOther than additional discomfort and swelling that will fade with time, there are no long lasting adverse effects of starting your period. Surgery such as a TT often will throw off your menstrual cycle but without consequences.  Following surgery, walk in a bent-over position to keep tension off the newly tightened skin incision site. Although strenuous activity, and lifting more than ten pounds, must be avoided for 6 weeks, some people can return to work and daily activities as soon as 2 weeks after surgery. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months to a year or more.Abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of 10 to 14 days longer than most plastic surgical procedures. Initial discomfort and decreased mobility is typical. You are encouraged to move and walk regularly starting the day of surgery. Wearing your TED stockings at all times, except while washing, to prevent venous clots (deep vein thrombosis) is mandatory. Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. No sports or heavy lifting for 6 weeks or more – please discuss with your doctor for specific questions.

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

You should do fine! Other than the inconvenience (amazing how often it does happen!!), you should have nothing bad happen to your result. As far as the garment, again, just more inconvenient!!

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

In the short term, your period may increase your swelling, but oover the long-term it should not have any consequences on your final result.  Good luck, Dr Rumalla

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

If a patient gets their period in the initial healing phase after an abdominoplasty, it should not effect the result at all. You may be a little more swollen or bloated feeling for a few days, but other than that discomfort, there should be no real changes at all. Just use your usual method of bleeding control and you should be fine. I hope this helps.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Having your period 4 days after surgery should not affect your recovery.  Sometimes I feel that women will hold onto a bit more swelling or bruising if this occurs, but no problems in the long run with recovery.For more information, please go to my website at:WirthPlasticSurgery.com

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Being on your period should not affect the results of your tummy tuck at all. The increase in swelling should be compensated easily by the postoperative garment that you are wearing.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	You should not have any worries about your period affecting your tummy tuck result.  It may result in your garment fitting a little more snug during the process, otherwise it should have no other impact.  Luckily, your tummy tuck swelling should be on its way down which should help.

	All the best,

	Dr Repta

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	The menstrual period  should in no way affect the recovery after tummy tuck surgery.  Hopefully, discomfort you may have with your period  will be adequately treated with the medications  that have been prescribed for the tummy tuck recovery.  Menstrual cycle bleeding  can be handled with a pad.

	Some patients will experience significant emotional mood swings after tummy tuck surgery and/or during their menstrual period. Hopefully this will not be  the case for you.

	Best wishes to you and your caretakers (just a joke).

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Getting your period should have no effect on your recovery.  You may swell a bit in the abdomen but not to have an impact. Often, general anesthesia delays menstruation and has the patients more than a bit nervous so that is one issue you don't have to deal with.   Many post op garments are crotchless. If yours does have a crotch area, then use pads and change frequently or inquire whether your plastic surgeon would be gracious enough to provide an additional garment.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Aside from the inconvenience, it should not.

	Swelling and discomfort are, of course, normal after surgery, and they may therefore be exaggerated during this portion of the recovery.  And you should stay in touch with your own plastic surgeon in case you have specific concerns.

	But aside from the added discomfort this should not, in my experience, pose additional concerns or risks.

	I hope that this helps, and good luck,

	Dr. E

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

I Am 4 Days Post-op from a TT and Just Started my Period. Will This Affect My Recovery?

Answers (11)

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU