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When Does Your Lymphatic System Heal After Tummy Tuck?

asked 10 months ago by SaskGirl in Saskatchewan Canada
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 236 times
Tags: healing, lymphatic system

I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair 2 months ago (May 2011). I was just wondering when your lymphatic system returns to normal or if it ever does? What are tips in helping it reconnect and heal? I occasionally use a heating pad on my abdomen and I find it feels nice and I've heard it helps with scar formation. Does it cause any problems with the lymph fluid gathering in my abdomen and swelling? Should I stop this? Thanks for all your answers. I really appreciate it!

2 answers to When Does Your Lymphatic System Heal After Tummy Tuck?

+1

Swelling after Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. Based on observations after tummy tuck surgery, I see improvement in, while swelling occur drastically about 2 to 3 months after the surgery. It may be that lymphatic drainage is improving at about that time. Generally, abdominal wall "swelling" after tummy tuck may be related to: 1. Swelling in the soft tissues. This may take several months to resolve and may worsen with increased activity or at the end of the day. ... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Lower abdominal swelling after abdominoplasty

Until the lymphatics regenerate or new ways for the fluid in the soft tissues to get out of the area are developed, you will continue to have swelling in your lower abdomen, above the scar line. You may notice that this swelling is better in the morning when you first get up, but worse at the end of the day before you go to bed. This usually takes three to six months or some times longer to resolve. You can consider manual lymph drainage techniques, wear a compression garment and/ or just... more
Todd C. Case, MD

Tucson Plastic Surgeon

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