Why am I swollen in my hips & thighs from TT & bilateral flank lipo? Thank for your time. Boobs are next in a year (Photos)

Question

Hey Doctors ok so I had a Full Tummy tuck and bilateral flank lipo I'm very swollen as expected but why am I even swollen in my hips and upper thighs? I went to my doctors office today to have BB and lipo stitches removed and asked the nurse she told me basically gravity does this and it's normal... she asked if I was drinking a lot of water I told her yes and she said to slow down on the water intake and only drink when thirsty....... this totally confused me as this goes against I knew

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear L.Blod84,Thank you for your question. Swelling after surgery is normal as your body is beginning to heal. Your body has been through a trauma, causing you to retain water. Swelling and bruising do tend to the move with gravity as well. If you are concerned, be sure to follow up with your operating surgeon.

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.

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello,Swelling all over the body is normal after such a large surgery. Your body is responding as if it has been through a trauma, which it as. And one of it's responses is to hold onto fluid (called "Third Spacing" in medicine). This will sometimes happen even after breast surgery and is essentially water weight being retained in your body. For this reason, it is actually important that you stay hydrated. If you don't drink enough water you can actually be dehydrated even though the water is staying in your body. So, just make sure your urine is light yellow or clear as opposed to dark. You will notice the swelling coming off in the next week or so. Be sure to keep follow-up with your surgeon so that he/she can also follow your progress and ensure nothing else is going on. All the best in your recovery!Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello L.Blod.Thanks for your question and photos. Your swelling is normal and is due to inflammatory factors released during your surgery. The swelling will go away and there are techniques like lymphatic massage which work faster. Speak with your plastic surgeon at your regular follow up.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO :)

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

Swelling can take several months to resolve after tummy tuck surgery. If you are concerned about the advice your receiving, speak with your plastic surgeon directly. The swelling can definitely move down with gravity. Any swelling that is out of the normal range needs to be evaluated by the surgeon. Good luck and congrats!

Why am I swollen in my hips & thighs from TT & bilateral flank lipo? Thank for your time. Boobs are next in a year (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Why am I swollen in my hips & thighs from TT & bilateral flank lipo?

Answer: Why am I swollen in my hips & thighs from TT & bilateral flank lipo?

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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Why am I swollen in my hips & thighs from TT & bilateral flank lipo? Thank for your time. Boobs are next in a year (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Why am I swollen in my hips & thighs from TT & bilateral flank lipo?

Answer: Why am I swollen in my hips & thighs from TT & bilateral flank lipo?

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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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.