How long does swelling last after a tummy tuck and liposuction? What can one do to prevent or minimize the amount of swelling?

Swelling can vary from person to person. Start your pre-op course with increase in exercise (aerobic) and isometrics to tighten your muscles (abs, arms, and legs). Keep a low sodium diet (pre op and post op) to decrease water retention.
Post-op, wear your surgical garment/Spanx as much and as long as possible. Our practice iwll start lymphatic drainage (special type of very gentle massage) after the first 7-10 days post-op.
You should see a marked change once the bandages/tape is removed. But it may take 4-12 weeks before the final result is seen. Be patient and keep on your healthy diet and exercise program. 

Post operative swelling after a tummy tuck and/or liposuction can last about three months, sometimes a bit longer. Other than wearing your compression garment and perhaps lymphatic massage and limited activity, there isn't much to do to minimize the swelling. Consult with a plastic surgeon in person for more detailed information.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Thank you for your question. Post operative swelling in tummy tuck/liposuction cases can last up to a year after your procedure. Be patient and make sure you're following up with your ps.

Thanks for your question. Swelling is common after abdominoplasty and suction lipectomy and can last for weeks to months. I generally suggest wearing a compression garment and limiting activity after these procedures, however, there will always be some degree of swelling; that being said, specific recommendations will vary from physician to physician. You should discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

You are correct in that the body's natural response to a trauma such as surgery is inflammation and swelling. During a tummy tuck, in particular, the channels that function to drain fluid get disrupted and it can take months for everything to "open up" again. Tummy tucks are one surgery that tends to produce prolonged swelling in my experience. 
Fortunately, most of the swelling will relieve in the first 1-2 months, though it may take 6 months or longer for it to completely resolve (some surgeons say even a year or longer). There are steps patients can take to help with improving swelling: 
1. Wearing compression garments and abdominal binders as directed by the surgeon 
2. Manual massage to help encourage the fluid to drain 
3. Low salt diet 
4. Ultrasound directed lymphatic drainage (done at some surgeons' offices) 
You can discuss the process with a qualified plastic surgeon who will give you her or his protocol on post-op swelling and edema control. 
Best wishes, 
Rohit Jaiswal, MD 
Plastic Surgeon; Las Vegas, NV 

Dear Lauryen828,every patient has a different amount of swelling after the surgery. I recommend my patients to wear compression garments in order to reduce swelling. I suggest that you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially on the level of activity that you can do and your scheduled follow up checkups, for faster and recovery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I recommend to my patients to watch they eat (low sodium) and to sleep with their head and torso slightly elevated to reduce swelling. They should also wear their compressive garments for an extended period of time or when they are not out in public to help reduce the swelling. Other lifetsyle changes include no alcohol or other behaviors that can increase swelling such as hot yoga etc. Bromelain supplements can help reduce inflammation. The rest is up to your own body's natural ability to reduce the inflammation and restore the lymphatic channels which help drain fluid evenly across your body. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
@drjohnsonlee

Thanks for reaching out! Swelling can least anywhere from 6-12 months. Your surgeon will likely provide you with a compression garment to help. There are not any pre operative methods to help reduce swelling post op. I would suggest you start by going on a few in person consultations with experienced board certified surgeons and you can discuss the procedure and what to expect in full detail! Best of luck. Dr. Kachenmeister

Definitely the best advice esto follow your doctor recommendations. There is no magic medication to reduce inflammation and time is your best allied. Tight garments can help as well as lymphatic drainage massages but in the end every body is unique and different meaning amount and time of inflammation vary from patient to patient.

Thank you for your question. Yes, swelling after liposuction and a tummy tuck can last for months - it all depends on a lot of factors. One, how much is done; two, if you've had prior procedures in the area; three, your general inflammatory response - and everyone is different. I find that compression in the post-operative period helps, and have my patients wear a garment for at least 3 months after these procedures. But, honestly, listening to your surgeon's advice and taking it easy and resting are likey the best things to combat prolonged swelling. Best of luck!