Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.
Dear White popcorn,I recommend my patients to use compression garments in order to reduce swelling. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Surgeons often have different opinions so it's probably best if you discuss this with your own surgeon but I have all my patients taking arnica for bruising and swelling after their tummy tuck procedures. Massage and using your compression garment as directed are the two other things that help with swelling as well. I'd suggest booking an appointment with your surgeon to discuss your concerns if you think that you are excessively swollen. Hope that helps!
The best way to reduce swelling after a tummy tuck is compression. After a tummy tuck I have my patients in a compression binder/garment until their 6 week check up to help minimize as much of the swelling as possible. Also, I do recommend Arnica gel/cream to help with bruising along with bacitracin ointment for the incisions. Every surgeon has their own post operative protocol and it is best to follow your surgeons instructions.
This is something you should discuss with your surgeon who knows you best. I do have my tummy tuck patient take Vitamedica which contains Arnica Montana for bruising and swelling, but each surgeon has their own post operative instructions, best to follow your surgeons advice. Good luck.
Arnica is frequently used to help after surgery, but it is always best to check with your doctor before beginning a new medication or supplement. Compression garments are widely used to help support the tissues as they heal as well as control swelling.
Hello and thanks for your post and questions. I routinely ask my patients to take arnica beginning the day before their tummy tuck and continuing for a week to 10 days after to counteract bruising, swelling and inflammation. You can also use a compression garment and limit any unnecessary activity in order to minimize swelling. No matter what, you will most definitely have moderate-to-significant swelling for the first 2-3 weeks after which you will begin to be able to better see your final result. I usually tell my patients that by 6 weeks post, they will be 65-70% of the way toward their final result and at 6 months post they will see 90-95% of their final result. The scars and swelling can take up to 12-18 months to reach the "final" result, but your look at 6-8 weeks is a very good predictor of your final outcome. Best wishes!Daniel Brown, MD, FACSBoard Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonsMember American Society of Plastic SurgeonsCastle Connolly Top DocReal Self Top 500
