I have night time swelling 6 months post extended tummy tuck. Is this common?

Question

I had an extended tummy tuck, with lipo and breast implants put in. Ever since day one, if I walked too much, ate something salty, or after a hard days work I am swollen at night. During the morning my stomach is flat, but that same night I look like i put on 15 lbs, my skin feels super tight and its bloated looking. I almost have instant love handles too. What am I doing wrong? What can I do to lessen the bloat? Is this common? I can't see my surgeon as I moved 1,500 miles away! Help!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. I suggest you to visit your plastic surgeon and follow his advices. Also i recommend you to go to an internist to be evaluated in other aspects.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and sorry you are unable to get in with your surgeon.  Without pictures it is hard to advise.  Swelling after a tummy tuck can take up to a year to resolve.  The fact you are flat in the morning is a good thing, but you should probably seek the opinion of a surgeon nearby to discuss.  Good Luck.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling for many months as you describe is common after abdominoplasty surgery.  You also described an extended procedure with liposuction which can contribute to the fact that you are taking a little bit longer to heal.  The reason that you are more swollen during certain times of the day, is that the normal communication between the blood vessels and lymphatic structures has not fully reestablished itself yet.  Try to be patient. It rarely becomes a long-term problem. Wearing your abdominal binder will definitely help. Best wishes!

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It is not uncommon to experience intermittent swelling of the abdominal area after tummy tuck surgery because the normal circulation of the blood and lymphatic system has been disturbed.  Eventually this will usually resolve but it can take months.  Despite the distance from your surgeon I would still recommend getting in touch with any concerns to make sure you are healing normally.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear Simply KendraIntermittent swelling after extended abdominoplasty can last for a long time. Typically is gets a little better everyday and is usually rather limited at 6 months.  The more extensive the surgery, the more likely it will last longer. from your description, You should consider decreasing your salt intake and just being patient and waiting for your body to heal.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you are still having problems with swelling 6 months out from surgery, but keep in mind that everyone heals at a different pace.  The healing process can take up to a year and seems to be going a little slowly for you.  At 6 months, you shouldn't have to limit your activities, but be sure to watch your salt intake.  Additionally a compression garment or spanx might be of great help to reduce your swelling throughout the day.  Best of luck with your continued recovery!

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi SimplykendraYour swelling is quite common.  You may want to wear your abdominal binder as this will help minimize the swelling.  This should resolve over time.sek

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  I don't know if you are necessarily doing anything to result in the night time swelling.  Aside from compression garment use and not overdoing it with activity there is not much more that you can be doing.  Swelling is normal after your procedures and would be worse at the end of the day.  At six months, it seems a little late to have the amount of swelling that you describe but maybe you just take longer to heal.  I would communicate with your plastic surgeon over the phone and with photos by email to see what he/she recommends.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

The best person to ask is your plastic surgeon. He/she can examine you and assess how you're healing.After such extensive surgery, some patients may not swelling as long as a year. Click on the link below if you want to learn more about tummy tucks.All the best.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

I can't comment on your situation specifically, but I can say that it is common to have intermittent swelling for up to a year after a big surgery especially when you are active or eat salty food.

I have night time swelling 6 months post extended tummy tuck. Is this common?

Answers (12)

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