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

Question

I will be 3weeks post op on Thursday from having abdominalasty with muscle repair. Still have pain and swollen. Is this normal?

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

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.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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

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

Answers (9)

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

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

Answer: Abdominoplasty

Answer: Abdominoplasty

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (9)

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

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

Answer: Abdominoplasty

Answer: Abdominoplasty

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.