Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck before & after photos
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“Words of Warning About Swelling from a Tummy Tuck”

1 post
Comments (36)
Posted 27 Jul 2007
Not Worth It
Spent: $6,250 in Not Provided

I want to put this at the top because nobody will tell you this before you get it done: you will still have swelling YEARS after a tummy tuck! Not maybe or a few people but you WILL. This was the biggest surprise for me: when I went to forums and found out this was normal but no one told me at the time. Everybody should know this because I might not have done this if I’d known. I am 15 months post-op FTT. I went in for the usual reasons and I do like my results. I am much thinner and I have my figure back. Don’t get me wrong because I do enjoy this and consider it a good thing.

The surgery did as advertised.

The tummy tuck I think is just too invasive. Your body will never adjust completely to the new way you are, which is why you swell. Things like sodium are a big no-no. Your body will retain fluid and it will take up residence in your belly. Your lifestyle may have to change too. I used to always sleep on my right side; it’s just where I was most comfortable. I can’t do that now because I will wake up crooked in the belly area. That is something to have to explain! Then there’s the activity levels too. You get a tummy tuck to stay thin, right? Well, exercising makes you fat. Seriously. Whenever I walk or do any hard activity (e.g. heavy gardening), my belly swells. It may stay like that for days too. These are all things the nurses will sorta almost tell you but you have to experience it to get the full extent.

My advice: if you want to be thinner and think you can deal with changing your lifestyle in bizarre ways then by all means, go for the tummy tuck. It does work and I won’t lie about that. I just wish I’d known all this stuff first.

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

Vote: 26 members found this review helpful

Comments (36)

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CindyC (unregistered guest) 9 Sep 2007
I am so glad that you posted this comment because I feel that the swelling is to a point where I feel like I wasted my money and severely scarred my tummy and navel for nothing. I cant eat or drink anything that day if I plan on looking slim for an evening out or something just as before. I am 4 almost 5 months post op and getting depressed and worried. Thanks again!
Lyanne (unregistered guest) 21 Feb 2008
Don't get discouraged. Some people take a little more time to heal, depending on just how much work was done.... usually it is the accompanying LIPO that makes up for much of the swellinh and bruising, and that can take up to a year to calm down. Massage your tummy very vigourously with vitamin e oil once or twice a day. Also, silcone bandages, available at some drug stores and you surgeons office, will work on the scarring. I am lucky that I don't scar..... you can't even tell I had it done... but the badages and vitamin e sure helped.
qiana (unregistered guest) 23 Dec 2007
Thanks for the info. This is something im hearing for the first time, have you heard of this ever going away?
Lyanne (unregistered guest) 21 Feb 2008
I had a tummy tuck five years ago, after I had lost 70 pounds. I went to 110 pounds, with so much loose skin on my lower abdomen, I was wondering if the weight loss was worth it. I had heard horror stories about the recovery period, and of possible loss of sensation to the abdomen area, but I was determined to give it a go. Yes, the first week was hard.... and painful, much like me C section 10 years before, but with no adorabalr baby to show for it. I was back in the gym in two weeks, lifting heavy weights agin in 4. Yes, I experience some swelling for a couple of months, certainly not YEARS. I had my surgery on Mother's Day, and was showing off a six pack by in a bikini by July. I exercise A LOT ( 5-7 days per week), and I never experience anything like the girl posting did. I watch what i eat, but I am not terribly restrictive ( if I want chips, I have some, just not the whole bag). I sleep exactly the same way I used to... I have several gym buddies who have the procedure done, and none of them experienced anything bad, either. I take issue with your blanket statement that you WILL have swelling for years afterwards; simply not true. I think your experience is atypical. My suregery was five years ago, and I still have an exceptionally flat tummy, complete with the 6 pack, and I am in my mid forties.... the gals at the gym are always commenting on my abs. The big thing is to go into this surgery in your absolute best shape that you can manage... you will recover more quickly, and have less side affects. This IS major surgery, and should be thought out carefully before you proceed. If you are not committed to eating clean and exercising regularly, there is no point in putting yourself through this thing, because the results will not be what you are expecting, and what results you do get will not last.
klb (unregistered guest) 19 Mar 2008
Thank you for your side of the story. It's good to hear both sides... After reading that other womans warning about swelling I almost backed out. I wonder how often that stuff happens? And was it the surgeons fault in any way? I'm 42, I've had 3 C-sections 13 yrs ago with the "bikini-cut" scar right above the hair line....also had a partial hysterectomy thru the belly button 7 yrs ago. With my last child my belly button got herniated...lovely....my cute "inny" isn't so cute any more after they "fixed it"....crappy fix job. Any how, I'm very tall and slim, but this belly issue is really frustrating me. I already had a boob job about 6 yrs ago and have no regrets and I'm not afraid of surgery. After 3 c-sections and another abdominal surgery, how could my stomach muscles NOT be dammaged and in need of repair. I don't have any weight to lose...other than loose skin around my abdomin...and no amount crunches or exercise will make loose skin go away right??? If the surgery went well I don't think I would have any regrets at all. Clothes would fit better and more comfortable right?? I did talk to a plastic surgeon and he said that 100% of his patients reported much better back health after having their stomache muscles fixed. Did your back feel any better? Did you have any back problems before you had it done? Thanks, klb
Freehold, NJ (unregistered guest) 24 Mar 2008
Dear KLB, Here is my posting thus far..I warn you it is a bit lengthy, but informative, I hope: I had my tummy tuck with lipo on 2/29/2008. The surgery went very well and I am bandaged up for the moment. I have two drains which I must measure each day. The pain was severe on the first day, and moderate the second day. It is now the third day and I am feeling better than the first two days. It is essential to have someone home with you the first few days. Thank goodness I have a wonderful husband and son to assist me. I will get back to you once I return to the doctor to let you know the status. I am happy I did it, but will see the results when the bandages are removed. I have just had my post-op exam om 3/5/2008. It went went well. The two drains were removed and I am feeling better. I can stand up straight, which is good, because I was getting a backache hunched over for a bit. I looked at my belly when the dr. changed the bandages and although swollen, it looks like it will heal very well. I am on a regular diet, but don't consume as much as before becasue of the band around the stomach area. Other than that, I will keep you posted. Be Well! I had general anesthesia during the ambulatory procedure and subsequently, I was placed on percostat for pain, antibiotics and a medication for muscle spasms. I did find the percostat did cause constipation and also made me very drowsy. Thus, I contacted my doctor and he allowed me to split the pill in half. As for the spasm medication, I only needed them for a few days and of course the antibiotic is necessary until the bottle is empty. I have showered and was finally able to see myself completely in a full length mirror. While I am still swollen, I like the results thus far. Tomorrow makes one full week since the procedure, so I figure it can only get better. It has now been three weeks since my surgery (3/24/2008) and I am feeling so much better. The swelling has gone down considerbly. I do wear a compression garment everyday and all day and even to bed. I also think the results are GREAT thus far, and can only get better. I have an appointment next week for a post-op and will let you know the results. I agree that everyone is different and I take exception to the person who has had such difficulties. I don't that is customary. I too had a c-section and the dr. cut along the same line, so that I would only have one line, which is just fine. I feel much better. As long as you do your homework about the dr. you choose, I am sure all will go well. If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to ask. All the Best.
MM from Miami (unregistered guest) 28 Mar 2008
Dear Freehold. sounds like if you have had a wonderful experience, congrats!!! I myself am planing one,but of course I do have fears...for some reason I'm affraid of the intubation part and I know I will be asleep. I will be doing mine @ the University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital which is one of the TOP 10 in the COUNTRY!!! and my sister works in the OR so i should not feel this way, but I guess it's fear of the "unknown". I have had 2 c-sections with the last one also having a tubal ligation...i'm not scared of the pain at all. Do you have any words of encouragement for me please...i love the way you expressed yourself. Thank, MM from Miami.
Freehold, NJ (unregistered guest) 28 Mar 2008
Dear MM, Thanks for the compliment. Also, I just happened to have a post-op appointment with my doctor today and he says I am doing very well. I am a bit tender around the surgical scar area, but it more of a discomfort. Also, it sounds to me like you are in good hands and have done your researh. Additionally, having the support of your sister should calm you of any fears regarding the intubation part and subsequent post-op, since she works there. I am sure it will go well. I too was fearful, but my doctor and his staff were very understanding and believe me, once you are there, you will be at ease. Please let me know how smoothly everything will go, as I am sure it will and you will be very happy with your results. Further, if you have had 2 c-sections, this will most likely be a piece of cake for you. I too, had a c-section and felt the recovery was more difficult at that time. Today, my doctor told me to massage the area at least 10 minutes per day with lotion and/or vitamin E at least 2x per day. Also, he requested that I purchase Neosporin Scar Solutions to flatten the scar. I am now 1 month post-op and am working (office work) and am fitting into my day a 5 mile walk each day. Overall, I am feeling much better, and my results seem to be coming along nicely, as I am sure yours will. Again, kindly let me know how smoothly your surgery went. I wish you all the BEST!
Lauren (unregistered guest) 2 Apr 2008
Dear MM from Miami~I'm wondering if you have had your surgery yet? I'm having mine tomorrow, and I'm really nervous about it. I, too, have had 2 c-sections. If you have a chance, please write and let me know how you are doing. Thanks! Lili
buzzySeaBee (1 post) 31 Jan 2009
What kind of workout you are doing to get your 6pack abs? i am on my 3months now, and i have trouble doing sit up, it hurts. now i am worried because i have two months to get ready for my physical fitness test. any advice. thanks.
LALLIETH (1 post) 8 Nov 2008
I am 3 months post op and still look like a buddha in my upper belly and I am frustated,but I have others tell me to be patient. But like the first poster,I too have to watch what I eat or what I do,because I swell lke a balloon
7514anon (2 posts) 31 Mar 2010
I am a 35 year old mom of four and am 4 weeks post op tomorrow. I had mini tummy tuck with muscle repair, lipo of the upper and lower tummy, flanks and dorsal roll along with upper arm lipo on March 4, 2010. I, too, am very swollen in my upper belly and flanks. I am worried that my lower belly didn't get enough skin removed because it too is swollen and I don't see how it will be flat once the swelling goes down. Sometimes it looks as if I have a rubber band wrapped around my waist, almost like I have two bellys. Anytime I eat, I swell up like crazy. I am way bigger then I was before the surgery. I have never had a big stomach, just excess skin and a little belly fat. I am so worried that I am never going to have a figure again.
aphreal (12 posts) 22 Dec 2008
I think it's a far cry to say *everyone WILL* have this or that. I am new to the tuck (2 weeks) but I did an extensive amt of homework and have been heavily active in support networks and this is the very first time I've heard this. What I hear most often is you will have bouts of swelling for up to a year. Never heard exercise makes you fat. I find a hard time believing that one. Sounds like something is going on that you should discuss with your Dr.
arlana (unregistered guest) 30 Dec 2008
i had a tummy tuck about 3weeks ago and i am very happy with my results thus far. the pain was very minimal i just felt really sore and tight.
flatlook (2 posts) 30 Apr 2009
I had a ftt w/mr and lipo 9 days ago. The pain is not so bad as the discomfort. My flanks are still swollen from the lipo, so Im not completely flat. I have not had any major complications and my PS says Im doing well. I have to admit that this post caused me some concern, as I love to work out, Salsa dance, with some weight lifting. I am sorry that you are experiencing this. Any one have some advice on the beginning stages of recovery?
tanyahezy (3 posts) 8 Oct 2009
am seven days post op the day after surgery had dressing changed to my totally amazement i could see my lady area haha then yesterday after i had my dressing changed again to my disapointment my stomach is like a waterbed am really worried is this norm i had lipo last week too my legs look bigger than before i know its only a week an am being very inpatient just wanted to put mind at rest xx
Jojo45 (5 posts) 16 Oct 2009
This post gives me encouragement as i am now 8 months post-op and still swelling. I only returned to the gymn 3 weeks ago cause even vigorous walking makes me swell. At this point i just decided to ignore it and go anyways. My upper ab sometimes looks like one of those starving kids on tv and is very distended, hard and uncomfortable. Besides exercise i find that prolonged periods of sitting will cause me to swell also so i avoid long road trips. Thanks AGAIN glad to know i am not the only one.
Confused_Scared (8 posts) 17 Dec 2009
I am 5 months, almost 6 months post-op ftt. I still have swelling also. When I wake up, I'm pretty flat. Throughout the day as I walk around or sit for a while, my stomach does tend to swell up. It leaves indentations in my stomach when I do swell. Before the surgery, I have this tendency to suck in my tummy for a flatter look. Sad to say but I still have to do this now. If I don't suck it in, I feel bloated and my stomach does stick out. The only difference before and after is that I do not have a few lumps but just one. I am still waiting for the results that was promised me.....
dor (77 posts) 11 Feb 2010
Hi: I had a full tummytuck with muscle tightening about seven mths ago I am not as flat as i had expected, but i have seen great improvment. My swelling last for about six months i never think it would go down especially my pubic mound was so swelling it scares me., but now it settles, just exercise a bit more patience, i know exactly how you fell i did so too. Yes, for real in the mornings you wake up you are flat and throughtout the day when you eat or drink you will expect you tummy to go up a bit which i think is normally. I am seriously considering doing smartlipo after i am finish with my research. Just keep the faith.
TeeNee (2 posts) 15 Jun 2010
Are you still have problems with the swelling now, or has that resovled. very interested becuase I had tummy tuck and now I'm having swelling 4 months post op, I always wear my binder because it really upsets me to see my belly swell.
selfesteem (5 posts) 5 Jul 2010
Wow. I just had mine done 4 days ago and no one said this. SO does anyone have any advice on the best way to prevent excessive swelling?
5432anon (1 post) 30 Aug 2010
I had a tummy tuck 3 weeks ago and i would advise anyone PLEASE DONT HAVE A TUMMY TUCK... it is very very painful and my legs are still numb and it is awful pain everyday.
7514anon (2 posts) 31 Aug 2010
I posted earlier about how much pain and problems I was having. But I can say...belive me it will go away. Of course, there will always be those odd cases but I started feeling and looking normal within 3 months. I am now very happy with the results. It is a drastic surgery and you have to give your body a chance to recover. Just my two cents.
9850anon (14 posts) 7 Oct 2010
I had a TT and MR on July 29th 2010. The last couple of days I have felt swollen. It has only been a little over 2 months now. I still feel it was worth it. I was and still am over weight but I certainly am watching what I eat now. I like the looks of my tummy. No overhang and many compliments. Right leg top is still a little numb but that is normal. Everything else is healing up well. Dr. says that if the scar is still red then you are still healing and yes expect some swelling. Good luck all and I hope that my results stay that way. By the way had no lipo. But I am thinking about doing my upper arms.
Jane G. (13 posts) 11 Oct 2010
Question for the commenters that are still swollen: what exactly did you have done? did you have lipo? did you have muscle repair? did you have full muscle repair all the way from breastbone to pubic bone? If not, your upper abdomen could swell.

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