Tummy Tuck: Q&A

Ask a Question

Can Being Premenstrual Contribute to Significant Swelling While Recovering from Tummytuck?

I am 4 weeks post op today and have noticed that my midsection has begun to swell quite a bit. No "water bed" motion except in my mons area. I was pretty freaked out by it today, but then realized I'm about a week from starting my period. Would normal premenstrual water retention be amplified by tummy tuck recovery?

4 Doctor Answers | Asked by jenny32 in Memphis, TN
+1

Tummy Tuck

You are very observant and “yes” this can affect your retention. Eating out at very salty restaurants can also cause some retention of fluid. Expect your abdomen to go down in size after your period resolves.
+1

Tummy Tuck and Swelling?

Watery swelling after a conventional tummy tuck is common. It may, or may not, be related to your cycle. prior to 2010 I did conventional (drain) tummy tiuks. Since then I switched to no drain tummy tucks. this new method is called progressive tension abdominoplasty. I haven't had a seroma (watery collection) since, and my patients are telling me they have no pain! This surgery approach eliminates the so called "dead space," it may be the end of seromas (watery... more
+1

Premenstrual swelling

The swelling after a TT last for about 6 month, sometimes longer. Flucuations can be seen after more than usual physical activity and ceretainly menstrual hormone changes, but if you see a "water bed" motion in your mons area you may have a seroma that should be drained, I suggest you see your surgeon in the next few days and have it checked out.

You might also like...

Real Stories

TT July 1st - Counting Down the Days - San Diego, CA

I'm 57, I have 5 grown children and 12 grandchildren to date - Dr Pousti did my BA and...

Before + After Photos

View 4315 Tummy Tuck photos
+1

Swelling 4 weeks after tummy tuck could also be a seroma.

Premenstrual swelling is certainly "amplified" by having had recent surgery, and just as each woman has a different degree of swelling or fluid retention with her period as compared to any other woman, so can the effects of surgery on fluid retention in the tissues that were operated on, as well as the rest of the body. However, there are two types of swelling to be aware of, as one requires nothing but time, healing, and regrowth of normal lymphatics (edema as a result of... more
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok