Could Over Exertion be Causing Post Tummy Tuck Swelling?

Question

I am a single mom with three young kids that have me on the go. I had a full TT 6 weeks ago but I am still very swollen from belly button down. I wear my compression garmet 24/7, I also take arnica on a daily basis, along with vitamins and drink plenty of fluids. But since about week 3 I have had no choice but to do laundry, go up and downstairs, bath my kids, etc. Could this be a reason for the swelling? Thanks!

Elizabeth Slass Lee, MD · Answer

Swelling of the lower abdomen is entirely normal at 6 weeks post op.  Of course you need to be active with 3 young children, and it is great that you feel well enough to do your regular activities, as demanding as they are. Swelling, particularly in the lower abdomen will fluctuate with activity and often be worse in the evening than in the morning.  This will improve over time.  As long as the incision is healing and your surgeon does not feel there is a collection of fluid under the skin in this area, what you are experiencing is normal and will resolve.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Swelling normally takes a few weeks to subside. On average, most of the swelling goes away after about 3 months, and depending on the extent of surgery, this may even take up to 6 months. A full tummy tuck will involve a lengthier recovery period than a mini. During these weeks and months, you'll notice the swelling gradually lessening, although the rate at which this lessens can be affected by increased physical activity. So, yes, your activities may be contributing to the swelling. Please continue to wear your binder and talk to your surgeon for their advice.

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

I would give it more time....But it is not unusual to see swelling up to 6 months later after exertion...or for  no reason at all!!! But by 3 months you should have an idea!

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer is YES, swelling of the lower abdomen will be present six weeks and longer after traditional tummy tuck, and YES, this swelling may be exacerbated by increased physical activity. In agreement with other responders, you should see your surgeon to be sure the "swelling" is not actually a seroma. If the swelling and lower abdominal fullness is fluctuant or enlarging, it is likely seroma. An ultrasound study will definitively differentiate swelling from seroma.

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

It is possible that over doing it too soon after tummy tuck can cause your swelling to linger.  It is also possible that your infra-umbilical fascial repair may be affected from all this activity, especially lifting, as well.  Please have your surgeon take a look and see if the fascial plication is still maintained.  Good luck.

	Dr. Vasisht- South Shore Plastic Surgery

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Some increase in swelling with greater activity for the first few months after a tummy tuck is very common and the distribution is usually in the lower part of the abdomen. What you want to be sure of is that this increase in swelling is not actually a seroma that has developed/enlarged. You should strongly consider having your plastic surgeon check you out and make sure that is not the situation. You may also want to find out what his/her recommendations are regarding wearing a binder.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

It takes time for the postop swelling to resolve.  Complete healing will continue over the course of a year.  Certainly, the more you exert yourself, the more you may observe swelling in response but life, particularly with a family, entails responsibilities.  You should followup with your plastic surgeon to make sure that you don't have a seroma, or fluid collection, in the lower abdomen.   Arnica and vitamins are not of any benefit in terms of reducing swelling.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

You may want to tell your plastic surgeon (to make sure you don't have a fluid collection under the skin) but it is very common to have swelling in the lower abdomen after a tummy tuck. This may come and go for a few months. The Arnica and vitamins are not likely to help at this time.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	It would probably be best for you to be seen by your plastic surgeon again to rule out abnormal fluid accumulation (seroma).

	Generally speaking,  tummy tuck surgery involves the interruption of arterial inflow as well as venous/lymphatic outflow. As patients' activity level increases  the abdominal wall flap may have a hard time eliminating fluids from the area. It may take several months to a year for the situation to improve  whereby patients no longer have the increased swelling with increased activity.

	I have seen some significant tissue swelling that may be alarming but has always resolved with time.

	I hope this helps.

Margaret Skiles, MD (retired) · Answer

It is entirely normal to have swelling 6 weeks after a tummy tuck and it is also entirely normal to have more swelling after being active and late in the day. This can continue for many months although it gradually should improve. I am assuming that you are seeing your surgeon on a regular basis and that he or she is not concerned about a seroma (fluid collection under the skin). If you haven't seen your surgeon in a while, you probably should make an appointment and discuss your concerns with him or her.

Could Over Exertion be Causing Post Tummy Tuck Swelling?

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