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

Question

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

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.

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.

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Too much activity!

Answer: Too much activity!

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.

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Too much activity!

Answer: Too much activity!

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.