How to reduce swelling from too much activity after tummy tuck?

Question

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It would be best to seek your surgeon for an assessment, just to make sure that the swelling isn’t indicative or something more serious. Your surgeon would also be able to let you know what can be done to reduce the swelling.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.To reduce it, I always recommend to my patients to perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello,You will need to see your surgeon. If there is common overall swelling, compression can help. However, if there is an actual fluid collection this needs to be drained. All the best!Dr. Blagg Austin, TX

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, honestly there are no cookie cutter recommendations.  Ask your surgeon about compression wear and modification of activity to help with your swelling--good luck.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I would suggest rest, elevate your feet above your hear, stay hydrated, and consider lymphatic massage.

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

After abdominoplasty you are dealing with immediate loss of the normal lymphatic drainage pattern in the lower abdomen.  If you resume long periods of sitting it will encourage the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues of the lower abdomen.  Standing or reclining are your best bets during the first month at least after tummy tuck.  Also wearing a compressive garment without a tight elastic band (that can cause the swelling itself along with belts or other tourniquet devices within clothing can help discourage immediate and repetitive swelling in the lower abdomen.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you have over done it after a tummy tuck and are experiencing swelling the best thing you can do is rest.  Compression may also be helpful to support the tissues which are still healing.  When returning to activity it is important to go slowly to work back up to your lifestyle level.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear Toppy66,
  
Swelling is inevitable in the postoperative state after a tummy tuck.  It is important that you not stress the abdominal muscles for the first six to eight weeks because the sutures that are tightening muscles could either pull through the tissue or actually pop before your body has healed enough to offer the necessary strength.  You will also find that as your pain subsides, you will become more active and you get what is called reactive swelling.  The same amount of activity each month will cause less reactive swelling until you reach equilibrium around six months.  
  
Compression offers a temporary reduction in swelling, but ultimately it is going to take the calendar.  I hope this has been helpful.
Robert D. Wilcox, M.D.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Your plastic surgeon will guide you when it comes to specific postoperative instructions.  He/she will also be in the best position to rule out complications such as fluid accumulation (seroma).
When a tummy tuck operation is performed, many of the veins and lymphatic channels that normally drain  the abdominal wall are divided (severed).   After the procedure, the abdominal wall swells because these channels are not functioning.
  Longer-term swelling after tummy tuck surgery is not uncommon;  swelling may persist for many months and even up to one year after the procedure is performed. Often, patients will report that the swelling increases as their activity level increases and gets worse later on in the day. Sometimes, the use of compressive garments may be helpful to control the edema.  
I ask my patients to where the abdominal wall binder for one month after surgery;  most patients are eager to “burn” the garment  as soon as possible.  Some patients however prefer to keep  some form of compression garment on for a longer period of time, stating that the garment gives them  a feeling of “security”.  The use of compression garments such as "spanx" may be helpful thereafter.
 Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year (or greater) a complete skin redraping to occur.
I hope this helps.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your question. The swelling your experiencing may be normal post-op swelling that all patients experience. I would recommend visiting your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon as he/she may be able to give better recommendations after seeing you in their office. One common mistake I see people make is taking in too much water. Although it is important to stay hydrated you do not need to "over-hydrate". This will increase swelling because you're body will experience difficulty getting rid of the water. Getting up and staying active will also decrease swelling.  Another reason to visit with you surgeon is to rule out the chance of this swelling actually being a seroma. You mentioned being "too active". If you increased activity levels rapidly, there is always a risk of fluid build up from areas surgery was performed that can appear to be swollen. Good luck and best wishes!