Swelling flanks after Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

I had full Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair and Liposuction 9 days ago. I still have my drains, and a lot of swelling in the flank area. Is this normal? Is there something that I can do for the swelling? It does go away, right?

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8 answers to “Swelling flanks after Tummy Tuck and...”

A: Swelling will improve with time

David A. Robinson, MD

Nine days following a tummy tuck with liposuction is still considered very early in the postoperative period.  Swelling is a normal consequence of these procedures and will take several months to completely resolve. I have my patients wear an abdominal binder for several weeks following surgery to help... more

A: Swelling will persist for a long time.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

This is absolutely normal. 9 days is VERY EARLY. Swelling may easily last for 2 months before you notice any significant change. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon. It is early in the post operative period and I am sure you will be in for multiple visits.

A: Very normal

Nina S. Naidu, MD

Hi, It's very normal to have swelling this soon after surgery.  How soon your swelling will go down is variable from patient to patient.  This depends upon your skin quality, your age, and the amount of liposuction you had performed on your flanks.  Although every surgeon has his or her own... more

A: Swelling after tummy Tuck

Steven H. Williams, MD

Thanks for your question - It is common to have abdominal swelling after abdominoplasty. When thinking about abdominal contour here are things to consider: Skin envelope Abdominal fat (subcutaneous and intrabdominal) Muscles tightness Intrinsic Swelling Fluid collections Skin Envelope - People complaining of... more

A: normal

Scott E. Kasden, MD

Swelling is expected.  By a month, most of the swelling will be gone, but a signigicant amount remains.  It may take a year or more for it to totall go away.  Follow your doctors instructions regarding binders, etc.   sek

A: Treatment of tummy tuck swelling in the Bronx

Barry H. Dolich, MD

You're still in the very early phase of  post operative healing . Be patient and you will start to see results. It has always been my practice to use compression garments and binders immediatly post op.BUT every surgeon has their own regimin to obtain  results.

A: Much too early to tell...

Armando Soto, MD

Hi there- It is very difficult to say, without an examination, whether the amount of swelling you are experiencing is the anticipated amount, or whether there is additional swelling, indicating a problem... If you are concerned that you are swelling more than you expected, I would pay a visit to your surgeon,... more

A: Nine days is too early to worry about the flanks

Francisco Canales, MD

Hello If you are nine days after surgery, with drains in place, you are too early in the process to worry.  In general, our Santa Rosa tummy tuck patients wear a light compression garment for 6 weeks after a combined tummy tuck/liposuction procedure.  The final shape and results should be visible... more

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