How Long Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Swelling Last?

Swelling in the abdominal area after a tummy tuck surgery is perfectly normal. The swelling is typically at its highest level between the 4-6 weeks post-surgery, and it could take months before it fully dissipates. The use of a compression garment will help diminish the swelling as well as avoiding foods that are high in salt. It is important to resume walking and return to normal activity as soon as possible as this helps circulate tissue fluids.

Depending on the extent of the procedure, the bruising is usually minimal in my patients, but swelling can last several months or more. That is normal. If there are any concerns, please reach out to your surgeon.

This is a great question and one that I always draw my patients attention to before the operation.I tend you say that you look at your best in the first few hours after your operation. The swelling then begins to start and usually continues to get worse up until 6 weeks after the operation and then starts to get better and you will be back to your best by 3 - 6 months post op. Things to reduce the extent of the swelling is not overdoing things in the first 6 weeks.Wear you compression garments religiously in the first 8 weeks and ideally carry on till 6 months, if possible and I recommend as tailored regime regarding this depending on recovery.A tip to speed up the recovery is to get some lymphatic massage but speak to your plastic surgeon for guidance on this and see if it will be appropriate for you.So don't be disheartened at the 3 weeks stage, thinks may get a little bit worse over the next few weeks but then things will start getting better and it will be great at 3 - 6 months.