I had a tummy tuck and bbl a week ago. Poor results and poor aftercare.

Most patients will be placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next six weeks.



Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.

It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to settle.



These can be improved with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as Embrace.  On occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.Now... the best way to achieve positive results is to enter your procedure with realistic expectations. If you find that you are worried at all about healing you should visit your surgeon for an examination to ensure that the healing process is progressing well.

I am sorry you are disappointed with your aftercare. Garments are a surgeon's preference so if he chooses not to use them that's ok. I think it is important to not sit on the grafts however. If you are not happy, you need to meet with him and address your concerns. It will be difficult but your care should improve with a candid approach. Best wishes. 

Thank you for your question and I'm sorry that you are disappointed with your bbl. It takes A LOT of fat injected into the buttocks to make a significant change and, you are right, it typically does not expand, but gets smaller as it heals and much of the fat dies.  You should find out how much fat was put in.  I agree with you that the garment helps with the shaping and those used specifically for bbl are more expensive than regular garments; usually around $90. You can go online and find one and order it yourself. Most surgeons provide these to their patients.  I also agree that reclining can be detrimental to your result. You are better off standing, laying on your sides or stomach or sitting straight up with a slight forward tilt. Hope things improve.