Are pain and swelling normal at 3 weeks post-op?

Hi, Thank you for your post. Congratulations on your surgery!  It takes 6 months to a year for the swelling to go down after a tummy tuck. Pain is normally controlled by pain medicine. If you have any questions or concerns follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Hello, and thank-you for your question.The recovery following a tummy tuck depends on the extent of surgery (mini, modified, full, or extended tummy tuck), the amount of liposuction, number of additional procedures performed, ect.  There has been a break through in the technology of post op pain relief for tummy tucks.  A new medication named Exparel is now being used that will provide for 3-4 days of post op pain relief, speeding up the recovery process!  The procedure can be done as an outpatient, but an overnight stay may be recommended.  Individuals will generally take a week to 10 days off of work.  Most of my patients are able to stand upright at 2 to weeks. It is normal to still feel tired and not quite yourself 3 weeks after a tummy tuck with liposuction. Swelling begins to subside in 3 weeks and it may take 6-8 weeks to resolve.  My patient report that they typically start to feel better 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure and report feeling "normal" 6 weeks post-operatively. With my own patients, I do my best to keep the lines of communication open and do everything possible to speed their recovery. Best of luck, Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS

Healing and recovery are patient dependent.  In most patients, the discomfort after the TT is controlled by oral pain medicine.  It may take 6 months or longer after surgery before all of the swelling is gone. Some of this will depend upon the surgical technique and adherence to postoperative protocols.  Your plastic surgeon is a great resource, and his/her exam is much better than speculation on my part. 
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for sharing your question.  At three weeks it is very common to still have swelling and discomfort from a full TT and muscle repair.  Though the pain should have been lessening slowly with each passing day it may take a couple of months for complete relief.  Swelling will vary between individuals but can persist for 12 months or more.  The majority of patients see substantial improvement over the first 2-3 months.  Hope this helps.

Some pain may still be present, and swelling can last several months or longer.  If concerned, then see your surgeon.

This is a common question for post-op abdominoplasty patients. Swelling and discomfort is different with each individual. It is common at three weeks to still have some swelling and discomfort.  It can take several weeks even up to the first few months for some individuals to be "pain-free," though as the days pass it should lessen or become more manageable for the patient. Often wearing a compression type garment can help minimize swelling and add support. Consult your plastic surgeon if your pain and swelling persist or do not lessen in the coming days. Best of luck to you in your recovering stage!

Thank you for your question. It is common to have some discomfort at this stage. Common to have swelling. It is better to see your PS for evaluation to make sure you are healing as expected.

I have seen swelling for 11 months. The muscles are sore for 6-8 weeks or more since you use your stomach for everything.

Hi dear,

 Thanks for the questions.

Swelling is normal it can take around 6 months for the swelling to go down. Also the pain can be controlled with the medication your PS prescribe.Remember to always follow your PS recommendations and contact him / her if you have any concern. 
 I hope this advice helps you. Best wishes.-

Manuel Belén, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon