How Can I Help my Swelling Go Down After Tummy Tuck??

asked 6 months ago by victoria.singleton in england
Latest answer by Remus Repta, MD
Question viewed 168 times
Tags: 1 week post-op, options, reduce, swelling

I had a tummy tuck 1 week ago. I have swelling mainly on my sides and above the scar line. How can I assist the swelling to go down? Is rest the answer? or should I be taking light walks? Can any foods help? (At the moment I keep thinking of how good it looked post op before the swelling!) Thanks very much

5 answers to How Can I Help my Swelling Go Down After Tummy Tuck??

Some temporary swelling is normal

Hello, Some temporary swelling is normal and simply an indication of your body healing. Wearing your compression garment tightly and perhaps keeping your salt intake lower are really the only things that you can do at this time. I would avoid medication that makes you loose fluid since it is unnecessary and unhealthy. It will get better. All the best, Dr Repta

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

Accelerating reduction of swelling following a tummy tuck

A compressive garment for a few weeks may help to reduce swelling slightly quicker than if nothing is done at all - and it can provide some sense of comfort and support in addition. However, there are risks as well. Expect that there will actually be some increased swelling over the next several weeks which will subsequently subside. It can take 4 -6 months for a majority of the swelling to resolve but really up to a year for maximal resolution. Rest and laying in bed is not a prudent... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

How Can I Help my Swelling Go Down After Tummy Tuck?Answer:

There isn’t much you can do to speed along swelling but you can make it last longer!!! Avoid any bouncing or twisting for several weeks…Don’t try and exercise too soon…It will make you swell more. Just do gentle things, no cleaning out the garage!!! Swelling takes about 4-6 weeks and shaping takes about 6 months..But even at 3 months you may still see some swelling or indentation from a belt…Very common…

John J. Corey, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck swelling improves with time

Swelling after tummy tuck is normal, varies from patient to patient and may take months to fully resolve. In my practice, I encourage patients to move around gently in the first two weeks and to expect that swelling will be worse in the lower abdomen than the upper and worse at night after being upright all day than first thing in the morning. Gentle walks are good if you are comfortable. I will have patients with moderate swelling start wearing a high waisted compression... more

Elizabeth Lee, MD
Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

artfulsurgery.com

Swelling after Tummy Tuck Surgery

Thank you for your question. There is no quick way to reduce swelling after tummy tuck surgery. Certainly, walking will help the swelling process. Some surgeons advocate massage of the area (please check with your surgeon to see his/her recommendations). Swelling can take months to subside and it can take up to 1 year for skin redraping to occur. With time, the swelling will reduce and you will see the results. I hope this helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

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