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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

Back to work and its all about swelling, swelling and some swelling - Fort Lauderdale, FL

UPDATED FROM chave2013
1 month post

So Monday was my 4wk PO and I also went back to...

chave2013April 10, 2013
$7,000
So Monday was my 4wk PO and I also went back to work. So when I leave in the morning im pretty flat, some swelling but you can see my shape...when I get home from work after a 11hr day I look like im 3m pregnant. WTH. I have my CG on 24/7. I do sit at a desk all day but OMG. How can I avoid this from happening? I started drinking pineapple juice to see if it helps, I hope so because its very depressing...what if the swelling never goes away...I dont know what to think. I havent updated my 4wk PO pics, I will if and when my swelling goes away....has anyone experience this too?

chave2013's provider

John W. Pinnella, MD

John W. Pinnella, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.2 | 73 Reviews
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Replies (5)

love the sun
April 11, 2013
You look great! I went back on bromelain because even after 3 months i'm swelling still. Stay away from salt and doing to much. This is a long recovery but i have seen in person what people look like after a year and it is so worth it. Happy healing!
Healthyri
April 14, 2013
Hi there! I feel ya in the swelling! So frustrating! I don't know if this will work for you but I had a lymphatic massage on thurs and my swelling has been way down since then!! I was amazed since I wasnt sure if it really works or just a false hope:) worth a shot and was at the very least relaxing! I have also been doing smoothies with lots of anti inflammatory foods etc in it like turmeric, pineapple, blueberries, parsley etc. don't know if that's your thing but it may help or at least feel healthy:) I am almost 4 wks po by the way. Good luck and hope we all deflate soon;)
chave2013
April 14, 2013
Hi Healthri. Ive thought about the lymphatic messages but Ive been giving myself massages to help my pocket with all the other expenses between buying over counter meds, CG's (3 to be exact, lol) etc. But I may have to bite the bullet and get one done. How often should we get it done? I actually have tried doing some smoothies with fruit so ill keep that up. Im pretty much open to anything at this point. I just want the swelling to just go away as im sure we all do..other than that im pretty happy so far. Good luck to you and your journey. Hope to see some pics soon.
Healthyri
April 14, 2013
I know, everything is $$$ with this surgery:( hopefully it will be worth it in the end! I am thrilled so far ( except for swelling) so will just get better from here! I bought a cg on www.contourmd.com They had a good selection. Good luck!
wishcomingtrue
April 14, 2013
I know ur frustrated w swelling......it is really a tough part of recovery for most of us. Some days u feel so flat and others ugh.....anyway Im 7 months post tt and Did have vaser lipo 4 weeks ago. Just stopped wearing cg during daytime but usually by early evening need to.put it on. I'm def seeing improvement in my trouble areas but being in cg again, swelling, pain all over again is not fun! I will post pics soon....
Summerbreeze
April 27, 2014
I had a tummy tuck in late January, my stomach still swells from time to time, remember to take it easy. These are major core muscles and it will take some time before they completely heal. I have not resumed my exercise routine yet because there is still pressure and some numbness. For your scars, ask your PO if you can try silicone treatment, it helped me tremendously. I didn't share my tummy tuck experience but my recent breast reduction I've been updated periodically. I still use heating pads here and there on my stomach and message the areas daily. Best of luck, before you know it you will be healed
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sjts
June 1, 2016
HI There you look great !! Swelling is part of the recovery. Takes time . Months actually.
You can go to the following store to buy compression garments to help you . CATHERINES FASHION INC. Ask for MARIA . 305 828 2505 you have to go see her and she will provide you with the exact garment you need. she is truly a expert
you will continue to shrink down, ;))))) Good luck !!!
UPDATED FROM chave2013
22 days post

Went to PS yesterday and all seems to be ok other...

chave2013April 2, 2013
Went to PS yesterday and all seems to be ok other than the constant swelling between my BB and scar area..I know patience is the key but gosh, feels like it just doesnt want to go away. The morning its puffy but by mid afternoon it looks like i have a kangaroo pouch...I really hope this is just swelling and not permanent..
Im going back to work on Monday the 8th, that'll be 4wks po exactly. I tried to go back at 2wks PO but after 1 day back, I had to take additional time off.
I've lost 10 lbs so far on a positive note.. Actually all is positive except for the pouch. Will start scar treatment this week, I have mederma and bio oil, not sure which one i should go with or both.. I have started putting and massaging with cocoa butter especially since my skin starting drying up. Im still in search of a good comfortable CG, I have a crothless columbian one from fajas by Diane but its so hard to get on and I havent been able to do #2 (excuse my french) with it on, not sure why, but i just can't so i need something to give me the compression that i need but also allow me to do what i need to do when nature calls.. Anyway my sista's if anyone has any tips on any of my complaints, please share.... If I had to do this all over again......I wouldnt think twice, I would do it over and over again..I know the recovery process is extensive and long but I have faith its going to be all worth it at the end of the day.
Happy Healing to all!!

Replies (2)

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sarav59
April 2, 2013
I use a Asset garment from Target..It hooks in the crotch and works well for me.. Congrats on the weight loss...keep up the happy healing
chave2013
April 2, 2013
Thanks Sara.. I will definitely look in Target, I have one walking distance from my house..thanks for the tip
newself2013
April 2, 2013
I started with a crotchless Marena 2xl which was the most comfortable one and I can go 1 and 2 with it on!! Lol i'm ordering my smaller one this week. You look great!!! Your story sounds like mine, I thought I was also exempt! Lol girl was I wrong. Ima big wimp!! Happy healing to you!!
chave2013
April 2, 2013
I'be heard about Marena. I will see if theres any local retailers..I jaye ordering online, I've already returned 2 CG that I ordered online, no luck with that.. but thanks for the tip. I
UPDATED FROM chave2013
18 days post

I have a columbian CG but im thinking of getting a...

chave2013March 29, 2013
I have a columbian CG but im thinking of getting a spanx one. Seems like alot of girls get the spanx as their CG...theres so many different ones that im wondering what is everyone's preference....hope to get alot of feedback as im looking into getting one soon.
Happy Healing all..

Replies (3)

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fxygmrgrl
March 29, 2013
I went with a really expensive version of spanx (design Veronique) and I'm glad I did. Super supportive, helps me have less pain.
chave2013
March 30, 2013
Thanks fxy. Im going to look into that one too. Hopefully I can find one that I feel comfortable in.. Happy healing
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tjuana
March 31, 2013
Hiya... everyone heals different. It took me over 5 weeks to stand up. I went back to work in 6 weeks. I still wanted to hunch over even at 7+months I find myself hunching over. But look in the bright side you look great and it gets better everyday. So don't be too hard on yourself.
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tjuana
March 31, 2013
Ohhhh and just wear your cg until you are healed enough to be pulling up garments. I got one of those 6$ exercise belts from Walmart to wear over the binder. Or I wore it by itself with a t shirt underneath cause it's designed to make you sweat.
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