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Ultrasound Therapy After Tummy Tuck?

I am nearly 3 weeks post tummy tuck with lipo. I am thrilled with my results, but the tightness from swelling is bothering me. I went back to work yesterday and although I'm on light duty and am able to sit often I ended up very swollen by the end of the day. I am still wearing my binder but my belly feels just as tight with it on as it is off. I've used ultrasound therapy in the past for muscle pain. Will it help with the healing process and help to reduce my swelling?

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swelling healing ultrasound

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by sicily35 in Florida

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Lymphatic Massage may be better and safer than Ultrasound After Tummy Tuck Surgery

Regarding: "Ultrasound Therapy After Tummy Tuck? I am nearly 3 weeks post tummy tuck with lipo. I am thrilled with my results, but the tightness from swelling is bothering me. I went back to work yesterday and although I'm on light duty and am able to sit often I ended up very swollen by the end of the day. I am still wearing my binder but my belly feels just as tight with it on as it is off. I've used ultrasound therapy in the past for muscle pain. Will it help... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

35 reviews

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Ultrasound after tummy tuck

At four weeks post tummy tuck, you will feel tight and often a bit swollen. Usually this goes away on its own. I have not used ultrasound at this point.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Ultrasound after tummy tuck

What you are describing is quite common after a tummy tuck, in the early stages of recovery. Fortunately, it goes away with time, usually within the next month. I usually recommend lymphatic drainage massage (since this is a lymphatic-related issue) or synergie. There are some reports that PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) devices are helpful for edema, but I have not tried these yet. Therapeutic ultrasound can get quite hot - and with the typical post-op numbness... more

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Ultrasound scar therapy following tummy tuck

I have not used this modality for scar management or mobilization other than for physical therapy but there are proponents fo this. I would first advise you to first discuss this option with your surgeon if it is available to you.

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