12 weeks post Mommy Makeover, after exercise my stomach gets very swollen! Is this normal? (photos)

Question

I had a full mommy make over 12 weeks ago with a muscle reconstruction, lipo, and breast implants.. i started exercising 3 weeks ago i usually go 3 x a week to not push myself and only maintain a healthy weight! But i have notice that after every exercise day i finish with a swollen stomach and bumps everywhere around my abdominal area... i feel sore like the soreness anywhere eals on my body after a good work out .. I will like to know if its normal?

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You should expect to have swelling for three to six months following tummy tuck surgery. Use of a properly fitted compression garment will help decrease the length and severity of the post-operative swelling. As the swelling decreases, the contour of your abdomen, flanks, and hips will dramatically improve. Please follow your plastic surgeons specific advice regarding your level of physical activity. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. Your results looks good.  Swelling after your exercise is normal since your are 12 weeks out from surgery. You are healed but the lymphatics (channels in your skin that manage swelling) are very slow to reconnect.  The lymphatics eventually reconnect but it may take 6-12 months for them to do so.  Just wear some type of compressive garment to manage your swelling during exercise in the meantime.Best wishes

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Your scenario is very typical. It is normal to experience fluctuating swelling of the abdomen for months and sometimes even up to one year after a tummy tuck, especially after exercise. As long as it goes down and isn't associated with pain, I wouldn't worry too much about it. If the areas persist or worsen, I would check with your doctor. Do a very gradual resumption of your pre-op fitness routine and listen to your body. Some patients are not ready to do core work outs at 12 weeks.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery!  Though it is fine to resume your exercise routine, it is not uncommon to experience some swelling with the increased activity.  You will want to resume your routine slowly.  Speak with your surgeon if wearing compression during exercise is right for you.  The swelling should improve as you continue to heal.  Always speak with your surgeon about any new concerns that you may have.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!Thanks for the question and provided information as well.Certainly it's very normal to get swollen the first months during or after exercises, because the body is still adjusting and dealing with the healing process.I recommend you to keep in touch with your plastic surgeon so he/she gives you the best advice.Good luck :)

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

This is not unusual and it will take a number of months for everything to settle. You need to build up gradually and it is normal to become swollen after exercise. Best to run your queries past your PS.

Christa Clark, MD, FACS · Answer

Post op swelling does not disappear until 5 - 6 months after surgery. Intermittent swelling following a work out for example can last up to a year. You are relatively early on in your healing cycle. I encourage you to keep up with your gym routine. In time - these fluctuations will minimize and eventually go away - but it could be up to a year.

Emily Clarke-Pearson, MD · Answer

Hi! Looks like you have a very nice early result from your procedure. While you are now almost 3 months out, it is still normal to have swelling, particularly in the abdominal area after exercise. The circulation to the skin and tissue on your belly was changed dramatically by the surgery, so even if the swelling is overall improved since early postop, it can again swell up after exercise due to the extra movement. 
This may keep happening for another 3 months or even more, but it should gradually stop. If it bothers you, you can wear an abdominal compression garment while you exercise, or put it on immediately afterwards to help keep the swelling to a minimum. If you are still concerned, I would follow up with your surgeon for a quick check-up. Hope this helps!

Michael L. Workman, MD (retired) · Answer

Due to the process of surgery it is very common to have swelling following a tummy tuck for up to 6 months following surgery.    Exercise can increase the incidence of swelling, especially in the lower abdomen.  As long as it is not associated with any pain and it goes down with time it is normal and there is not cause for worry.  In order to aid in reducing the swelling faster, wearing a compression garment on your lower half can help. If you notice an increase in swelling or pain that lingers over time be sure to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not uncommon to experience swelling 12 weeks post op following exercise.  As long as it goes down and isn't associated with pain, I wouldn't worry too much about it.  Notify your surgeon of any changes.

12 weeks post Mommy Makeover, after exercise my stomach gets very swollen! Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (10)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

Mommy Makeover, can I do it if I have a high BMI? (photos)

What comfortable clothing can I wear after my mommy makeover and for when I go out?

Is 7-8 hours of surgery time reasonable and safe for my combined TT and Breast Reduction/Lift?

Bee Pollen before/after surgery?

Tummy tuck and breast augmentation. I'm at 195 lbs due to swelling. Is this normal? (Photo)

Is it ok to take Celebrex 400 mg to help decrease swelling/inflammation for mommy makeover. Also can I take it with bromelian?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS