How long does it take for fluid retention to disappear after mini tummy tuck with contouring lipo & breast augmentation?

Question

I gained 23lbs within 3 days of surgery, I have since lost 16lbs (I am 2 wks 1day postop). I feel my hips have gotten larger since surgery and I am carefully watching my intake of sodium & have drank only water for 2 weeks. It's not on common for me to swell, as I am extremely sensitive to sodium and salty foods, a single salty chip will make my fingers swell so much my wedding ring fits snug. This seems a little over the top to me though, I weigh in every morning, hoping it will disappear soon.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There will be at least some fluid retention in the areas operated upon for months after a mommy makeover. Total body fluid retention usually is eliminated within a couple of weeks.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  You are still in the healing process, so please give yourself more time for the swelling to go down.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

While the majority of your swelling should resolve by 6 weeks, remember that it can take up to 6 months for you to see your final results. Continue watching your diet and wear a compression garment to help with the swelling. Daily weigh ins are useless at this point...just give your body time to heal! You are only a little over 2 weeks post op. Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Swelling is common and expected after surgery.  To help it resolve more quickly closely follow your surgeons instructions for compression, activity levels, and diet.  In many cases the majority of swelling will have resolved by six weeks.  I encourage you to speak to your surgeons about your concerns.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

As I explain to   all of my patients the fluid retention may last 3 month or longer, sometimes till 6 months post op.Compression garments will help containing the edema, also you should get physical therapy with ultrasound and linfatic drainage massage, they may help you with the discomfort.

Irina Marinicheva, MD · Answer

The risk of seroma after tummy tuck combined with liposuction and breast augmentation increases significantly. It is necessary to determine the amount of fluid (perform ultrasound). If the maximum layer of thickness is greater than 6-7 mm - there is a need to perform a puncture of seroma (remove fluid). After the puncture it is required to use a compression bandage for 10 days. During the first 1.5 months after the surgery it is necessary to monitor the level of the protein - it should be no lower than 75 g / l. The amount of protein in the diet should be increased if necessary

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still early in the recovery period and as your swelling goes down your results should improve.  Continue wearing your compression garment and follow up with your PS.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

It is common to have fluid retention and weight gain after body contouring procedures.  Most of this will resolve over the first 6 weeks but it will take up to six months to see the final result.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It can take 4-6 months to see your final result with these surgeries. Be patient in your recovery and give you body time to heal. Good luck. Dean Vistnes.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not unusual to have some swelling and fluid retention following a tummy tuck.  It may take up to six weeks for this to resolve.  Watching your salt and fluid intake will help to speed this process.  Also wearing a compression garment will help as well.  If the fluid is not resolving check back with your surgeon to make certain you haven't developed a seroma which may require drainage.  Best wishes, Dr Lepore.

How long does it take for fluid retention to disappear after mini tummy tuck with contouring lipo & breast augmentation?

Answers (10)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

How long should you wear TED hose or panty hose after a mommy makeover?

Tummy tuck scar too low? My pubic area seems like it's been affected. (Photo)

Is this infected? Should I check with the surgeon tomorrow or wait till Monday for my appointment? (Photo)

Phentermine? Is it recommended to stop taking it before a mommy makeover?

How long should I wear my compression stockings?

After having me Mommy makeover, I noticed that my legs are swollen. Can it be me retain water after the surgery?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS