How Long Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Swelling Last?

Thank you for your question. 

It is very common to get swollen in the lower abdomen after tummy tuck.  There are a number of factors involved.  In the early phase the abdomen may seem bloated because many of the narcotics used for pain can slow down the GI tract and cause bloating or  constipation.  This will generally resolve itself within a few weeks.

In the second phase, the tissues above the lower abdominal scar become swollen because the scar tissue stops fluid from migrating downwards.  The peak of the scar  tissue is about 12 weeks after surgery.  This can also be the peak of the puffiness.  As the scar tissue matures over 6 to 12 months the fluid in the lower abdomen can travel more normally  and the swelling diminishes. While most patients will see a dramatic decrease in swelling about 12 weeks after surgery, the swelling can even improve out to a year. 

Lastly, the final healing process of the tummy tuck is the abdominal wall stretching again as it decides how tight it can remain after muscle tightening.  Even after tightening, the abdominal wall will relax somewhat and find a new equilibrium. As one might expect slender people tend to stay flatter than people to carry more weight inside the abdomen.

I hope this helps to answer your question.

 

 

 

Thank you for your question.Every patient is different and recovers at a different pace. Typically, most of swelling has improved by about 3-6 weeks. An additional tightening and improvement will continue until about 6 months after surgery.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson Richards (Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)

Swelling after a tummy tuck is a normal part of the healing process and can vary in duration. Generally, the majority of swelling subsides within the first few weeks to a month. However, it's not uncommon for some degree of swelling to persist for several months after the procedure.

By three weeks, as in your case, you should have noticed a decrease in initial swelling, but it's normal to still have some present. The timeline for complete resolution of swelling can extend up to a year, with gradual improvements over this period.

Each person's recovery is unique, and factors like individual healing processes, the extent of the surgery, and adherence to postoperative care can influence the duration of swelling. For the most personalized advice, it's best to consult with your plastic surgeon, as they are familiar with your specific case and can provide guidance tailored to your recovery.