Tummy Tuck - Swelling After 4 Weeks Doctor Answers, Tips
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Tummy Tuck - Swelling After 4 Weeks

I had a tummy tuck 4 weeks ago and I am still swolen, but I am beginning to be concerned that my stomach will not look much less than it does with the swelling. My doctor told me he would not be able to make me super flat, but he would take as much as he could. In your experience, do you think swelling is still at the extreme after 4 weeks?

21 Doctor Answers | Asked by anissa in houston, tx
+11

Swelling 4 weeks after a tummy tuck is normal.

Actually, you will have swelling for many months after a tummy tuck.  The color of your incision is a good barometer.  As long as it is red or pink, there is swelling everywhere the surgeon went during the operation.  You will find that your scar will probably not turn white for many months.
+10

Swelling After Tummy Tuck

Swelling after tummy tuck will be present for many months (8-12 months), especially in the lower tummy, just above the scar line. Check in with your surgeon to be sure you don't have a fluid accumulation (serum or blood) which should be drained. Otherwise, give your body the timeit needs to heal.
+9

Swelling of the abdomen after tummy tuck

Swelling in the abdominal area may persist for weeks to months after a tummy tuck.  However, you should have a very good idea of the approximate contour your abdomen will be almost immediately after surgery.  This means that with the tightening of your abdominal muscles and the removal of excess skin, you should see on day #1, the basic overall contour of your abdomen.   The swelling usually lasts longer on the flanks or love handle areas if you had liposuction in... more

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+8

Swelling after a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

After any surgical procedure, the peak of swelling is around the second or third day. Most people don't notice it, as they have other things to be concerned about. Now that you are a month out from surgery, you are feeling better, doing more activities, and are really starting to look at the result. The amount of swelling that is still around depends on how the surgery was performed (how extensive), and also yourself as an individual. I generally have my patients wear compression... more
+6

Final tummy tuck results usually visible after at least 6 months

4 weeks post op surgery is too soon for the swelling to subside. Abdominoplasty is a very invasive surgery, swelling and bruising is very normal during this time. Usually, it takes about 6 months to a year before you see the final results of surgery. Do not be alarmed with the results at this time. Results will improve over time as your body heals.
+5

Swelling after a tummy tuck can fluctuate for MONTHS

Yes, you're likely still swollen.  A good barometer is this:  do you feel the same at the end of a day as you do at the beginning of the day?  Do you have more swelling in the afternoons/evenings?  Do you notice that you are more swollen after salty meals (soups, fried foods, etc)?  If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you know you are still dealing with swelling from healing.  Scars take 12-18 months to mature, and that includes the... more
+3

Swelling Following a Tummy Tuck

Patients can expect some degree of swelling for months following a Tummy Tuck. Most patients feel less swollen at the 6 week mark however you may have some degree of swelling for months following surgery. I would contact your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon  with your specific concerns regarding your recovery. Best wishes!
+3

Sudden swelling of abdomen 4 weeks after tummy tuck

IT is not uncomon to have swelling for several months after a tummy tuck but if your swelling suddenly got worse, it could be a sign of seroma/hematom/infection. see video
+3

Swelling after tummy tuck abdominoplasty

The persistent swelling after abdominoplasty is possible and may represent a seroma or fluid collection.  Speak to your surgeon to assess the degree of abdominal flap fat, residual edema, and swelling. 
+3

Swelling after a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is a very popular and effective procedure to recount for the abdomen and torso. Patients that receive the surgery should expect a significant recovery process. If you have only had your tummy tuck four weeks ago, you are still very early in the recovery process. A significant amount of swelling is normal at this stage. In our practice, all of our tummy tuck patients received two different garments. We encourage them to use their first garment for the first two weeks after... more
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