Can applying ice packs to your abdomen 3 months after a tummy tuck help reduce the swelling?

Question

I still have swelling 3 months after a full tummy tuck. Some swelling has gone away but I still have some. Also my abdomen fills hard. Is that swelling or fat?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Swelling normally takes a few weeks to subside. On average, most of the swelling goes away after about 3 months, and depending on the extent of surgery, this may even take up to 6 months. A full tummy tuck will involve a lengthier recovery period than a mini. During these weeks and months, you'll notice the swelling gradually lessening.In the meantime, follow your surgeon's post-surgery care instructions and wear your compression garment as recommended. Your garment will help control swelling by encouraging your body to absorb and eliminate fluids that are causing the swelling. I don't recommend using ice packs since the area may be numb and you may get frostbite because of the lack of sensation.Here are some other tips to deal with swelling:stay well hydrated and go to the washroom regularlyavoid salty foods and eat healthilyget plenty of rest, but also try to move around a bit at a leisurely pace to keep your circulation going when you're not lying downOnce you have adequately recovered, you can consider lymphatic massage, but only with your surgeon's advice

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Best to run these types of questions by your plastic surgeon who knows your situation best and is ultimately responsible for your care. Regardless, patients should be very careful about applying cold or heat to recently operated upon areas; these areas will likely be numb and can potentially be damaged by  excessive cold/heat that the patient does not sense . Therefore, in my practice, I ask patients not to apply either cold packs or heating pads  directly upon surgical sites. Again, your plastic surgeon will be your best resource. Best wishes; hopefully, you will be very pleased with the long-term outcome of the procedure performed.

Ernest Layton, MD · Answer

Usually you can have slight amounts of swelling even up to 6 months after abdominal surgery.  But this is usually located very close to the incision line.   I typically tell my patients that it can take up to 9-12 months for all of the swelling to disappear from the abdomen.  Try and see if wearing a compression garment during the day when you are more active helps any.  If your complete abdomen still has a lot of swelling you should consult with your PS.

Luis E. Redondo, MD · Answer

There is suppost to be swelling 3 month after tummy tuck, but not something you need to attend to, if you considered your swelling abnormal visit your Plastic surgeon and discuss with him/her about the reality of your situation. Ice pack wont help you now.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Persistent swelling 3 months after tummy tuck is most likely intra-abdominal fat causing protrusion or possibly excess subcutaneous fat beneath the skin.  I suggest you visit your plastic surgeon for an examination and diagnosis as to the cause.  I honestly do not think ice packs will help.

Can applying ice packs to your abdomen 3 months after a tummy tuck help reduce the swelling?

Answers (5)

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