Dear Sunnysideup (sounds to me like someone very optimistic) Not all plastic surgeons use drains. There is a technique that some of us use all or part of the time using quilting stitches to hold the fascia down to the muscle. In some patients drains are not used, but I personally use drains for at least... more
Drainage and swelling after Smart Lipo and Tummy Tuck
I had a Tummy Tuck a week ago. The doctor did Smart Lipo and then the Tummy Tuck. I ended up with a huge incision from waist to waist, and I am actually larger in my midsection than I was pre-surgery from all the swelling. I don't see any way for the liquid to come out, I don't have any drainage. My doctor wants me to do 3 sessions of ultrasonic therapy to help my healing and drainage. I am already unhappy with the results. Is this normal? Is this worth the extra pay for the treatments? Please advise.
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11 answers to “Drainage and swelling after Smart...”A: You needed drains after abdominoplasty.
This is an old question, so I hope your problem has resolved. This what I would say in general: 1) I don't know any experienced, successful, board certified plastic surgeons who use SmartLipo. 2) In New York City, we always use drains after a tummy tuck, and leave them in several days... more
A: Swelling and drainage is normal
To assist with pain control and to prevent bleeding, fluid is first injected into the tissues prior to beginning liposuction. This fluid often drains out over the first 72 hours post operatively. I am a bit surprised that after a tummy tuck in combination with smart lipo that you do not have drainage tubes.... more
A: Hang in there after Smartlipo and Tummy Tuck
As the other doctors have mentioned, it is still very early in the postoperative period for you. Swelling can persist for up to 4 months time. For patients who have liposuction at the same time as abdominoplasty, the swelling may even take longer before going away. As it appears in the... more
A: Swelling after Smart Lipo and Tummy Tuck
Having swelling after this procedure is common and should be expected. Definitely give it time. Each surgeon has different methods of managing their outcomes and your surgeon may feel strongly about ultrasound. It is not unusual for patients to weigh 5 pounds or more over their preoperative weight. Take care... more
A: One week is very early post op.
SunnySideUp, One week is very early post op to determine whether you are happy with the outcome. You will still have significant swelling and bruising and discomfort. However, you should have some drainage. Did the surgeon place drains in you and take them out already. If not, you may have a fluid... more
A: Fluid may need to be drained
It is not unusual for the patient to be larger than preop in the first week due to swelling. I do not see any drain tubes - do you have any? It must be ascertained if you have free fluid under the flap (seroma), in which case it must be drained, or you just have swelling. Swelling will usually... more
A: Tummy tuck and smart lipo
Post-surgical swelling is very common after a tummy tuck and certainly even more so after combining it with liposuction. This should get better with time. Just be patient.
A: Hang in there...
It is very common during the early recovery period after an aesthetic surgical procedure for patients to experience feelings of apprehension and doubt, and even distrust of the professional that only days before they themselves had selected to perform an operation on them. It's human nature to be excited and... more
A: Follow up appointments with your plastic surgeon is essential!
I personally do not perform Smart Lipo, but have extensive experience with tummy tuck procedures and VASER® Liposuction. With any body contouring procedure, a week is too early to estimate your final outcomes. I would strongly encourage you to follow up with your plastic surgeon in the near future.... more
More answers to Drainage and swelling after Smart Lipo and Tummy Tuck
Chicago - Tummy Tuck produces Dramatic Results, but Healing takes Patience
Chicago - Tummy Tuck produces Dramatic Results, but Healing takes Patience
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109 posts
7 Nov 2008
Being only 1 week out from major surgery is still too early to tell what the final results will be. Especially with a tummy tuck procedure and SmartLipo performed at the same time. Even from a simple skin tag excision a patient can be normally swollen in the area for 1-2 weeks. Drainage to outside of your body typically stops 24-48 hours after a procedure as your body will start to create proteins to halt the drainage. The internal drainage of your body (your body's ability to remove the residual fluid/swelling still within your body) can take weeks to several months. This duration is within normal limits. The likely reason you have a larger measurement 1 week post-op is because of normal swelling. I can understand your concern but what you are experiencing can be quite the norm. Before spending more money, I would discuss with your surgeon what he or she expects for your recovery time as they were the ones who performed the procedure. It is hard to see yourself swollen but 1 week is still very early in the healing process. I hope this helps and good luck!
50 posts
6 Apr 2009
how long will it take before i see results as i look fatter now than i did before surgery and in so much pain E HANNAH
22 posts
10 Apr 2009
Hi, congrats on your new look. I had a tt on 2/23. Sometimes I also feel as if ps didn't take off enough. So what I do is look at my old pics to see how far I have come. I plan to wait until swelling goes down before seeking a second opionion. I hope this makes you feel better.
50 posts
12 Apr 2009
Thanks for letting me no how you are feeling it doesnt seem so bad when you here that other people are feeling the same way its just that you look at pics on here and ther stomach is so flat and mines isnt maybe i am just trying to rush it to much ...thx once again
25 posts
4 May 2009
i understand how you feel i just had smart lipo on thursday (now day 4 recovery) i now have lots more movement... but i dont feel anything has happened except my purse is lighter by a few thousand ! im hoping day 4 is still liquid im a bit confused about this drainage? how does it come out, when i came out of the hospital i had leaked all over my coat and compression garment however now nothing.. which i guess is normal but how does the liquid get out?
50 posts
5 May 2009
surely you should still have drains in when you left i had mines in for 5 days but i stayed in the hospital till they were removed i ended up with a seroma had it drained but 8 weeks on i am still swollen on one side of my tummy
3 posts
13 Jul 2009
Your dr should have put in drains! they are a nusinace, but sooo necesary! fluid accumulation can be a breeding ground for infection. otherwise this will all pass and it will go down. you really need 4 -6 months for the full results
50 posts
15 Jul 2009
Thx for all this help i am nearly 4 months post op it is going down now but along the scar line there is still a bulge the doctor said it might not go away as that is the skin where it was fatter there and the bottom half of the tummy is thinnner skin so thats why i got the slight buldge is anyone else like that or is it just me !