What Can I Do to Get Rid of Swelling After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Half the swelling is gone one month after tummy tuck.  The other half takes a year. Things that help:  1.  Time. 2.  Comfortable compression. 3.  Decompressive Lymphatic Massage. Anything required? Time. 

Depending on the extent of the procedure, swelling can last up to 6-12 months. However most of the swelling generally subsides by 2-3 months. I have found a snug (not tight) abdominal binder and in some cases lymphatic massage can help speed up the swelling recovery process as well.

A tummy tuck is a major operation and selling does take time to go down. A good compression garment is helpful. I advice first stage garment which is usually a velcro type for first 6 weeks and followed by a second stage garment which is much softer and comfortable to wear. this should be worn for upto 20 hours a day for 4-6 months to get good results. In some patients swelling takes much longer to go down and in such cases few sessions of lymphatic massage helps with the swelling .

Thank you for your question. To reduce abdominal and belly button swelling, I recommend daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy 5 times at week for the next two months, and wear a postoperative girdle for two months at least.Kind Regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Thank you for your questions.  Continuing to wear your compression garments can definitely help with the swelling. In regards to the numbness, it does take a while for the nerve endings to all re connect, but you can do gentle massage in the area to help speed the process along.  I would recommend having a follow up with your surgeon and follow their post surgical protocol.   Best of luck to you. 

Beyond wearing your compression garment, lymphatic massage can be great for removing excess swelling. Unfortunately there is nothing that can make you heal faster, just make sure you are eating a healthy diet so your body has everything it needs to heal itself. The numbness usually resolves in a few months.