9 day post op tummy tuck & breast augmentation; still swollen? (Photos)

Question

Had tummy tuck/ breast augmentation 9 days ago I still super swollen and sore hurts to walk. What can I do for the swelling? My doctor keeps saying I will pee the swelling out soon but still nothing. I'm walking as directed, have my feet propped when not. I'm taking Tylenol, hydrocodone, and muscle relaxer. I've putting the arnica cream on as well.

Himansu Shah, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photo. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you. It is not unusual to have swelling persist for 2-3 months post TT. I would recommend to use a garment along with what you already are doing. It is best to have a close follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photos. You are very early in your recovery. What you are experiencing is normal. It is very important to remember that swelling can last a few months and gets better with time. Garments help to compress the swelling. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery. It is normal for swelling to continue nine days after surgery. In my office, my patients wear a binder, or garment, that helps support their tummy and decrease swelling. Swelling improves in the first month. If you are concerned, you should contact your surgeon for recommendations.

Robert P. Schmid, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Swelling 9 days after a mommy makeover is definitely normal; however, I would recommend compression garments and red hose. You really want to watch out for blood clots (DVT's). If you have any concerns about this at all, contact your plastic surgeon immediately. Best of luck to you!

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, at nine days it is not abnormal to still have swelling, however if you think something is wrong--please call your surgeon.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

At 9 days, you are very early in your healing process. Swelling after a TT is the norm but wearing a compression garment will help control the swelling. Best to see your operating surgeon to discuss the best compression garment for you. Good luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear of your recovery difficulties.  Swelling after a tummy tuck can be signficant and is best treated with the use of compression garments that run from the lower legs to the upper stomach.  Time will improve your symptoms but it may take 6-8 weeks to make a meaningful change.  Hope this helps.

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

Your swelling appears to be normal for only 9 days after surgery. Continue walking and resting your legs upright, you might also consider some compression stockings to help with your ankle swelling but it will get better with time

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hi Melisha.Yup, you're still swollen and it's normal. In fact, I can detect swelling in my patients all the way to 12 months after surgery. However, most of my patients feel the swelling is gone by 2 months after surgery. The swelling will begin to go away soon, but I recommend tighter garments, at-home massaging with Arnica cream, lymphatic massage by a professional weekly for 5 weeks, and Bromalein in the recovery period. You need to ask permission from your plastic surgery about using some of the options I've recommended. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO :)

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

First, congratulations on your recent surgery and good luck with your continued recovery.  Please keep in mind that at only 9 days out, you are still in the heart of the swelling and recovery phase and you may have significant swelling that persists for months after surgery, but most should be much better within 4-6 weeks.  Having said that, it appears in your photos that one of your legs and feet seems to be more swollen that the other.  If this is the case, it could be a warning sign for a blood clot developing in your legs and you should alert your plastic surgeon immediately, especially if you are having any shortness of breath or chest pain or rapid heart rate.  Hopefully you are having frequent routine follow up with your surgeon so your progress can be closely monitored.  Best of luck!

9 day post op tummy tuck & breast augmentation; still swollen? (Photos)

Answers (17)

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