Is it normal to experience swelling (but only after working out) 18mos PO?

Thanks so much for your question,

Although most inflammation should resolve within the first few months after liposuction, some residual inflammation can persist and become noticeable after physical exertion. High-intensity workouts or exercises that target the area where you had liposuction can sometimes cause localized swelling.

While some post-operative effects can persist longer than expected, it's crucial to have any new or unusual symptoms evaluated to ensure there are no underlying issues.

Sincerely,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Hello Jessica.Joy84, thank you for your question and for sharing your history. Based on what you’ve described, experiencing swelling after intense physical activity, even 18 months post-abdominoplasty, is not uncommon. While the majority of swelling typically resolves within the first 6 to 12 months after surgery, some patients continue to experience temporary swelling during or after workouts for up to two years as their body fully adjusts and heals.

When you work out, increased blood flow to the abdominal region supports your muscles but can also cause temporary swelling in areas that have undergone surgery. Additionally, during an abdominoplasty, the lymphatic system in the abdomen is disrupted. While the lymphatic channels regenerate over time, it is possible that their recovery is not fully complete, making drainage slower after high-intensity activity. Internal scar tissue can also retain fluid or react to physical stress, which can further explain the puffiness you experience after workouts.

If the swelling resolves on rest days and you are happy with your surgical results overall, this is likely a normal part of your healing process. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the swelling. If it is accompanied by pain, redness, or any unusual symptoms, I recommend contacting your surgeon to rule out complications such as a seroma or delayed inflammation.

To help manage this post-workout swelling, consider wearing a light compression garment during exercise to support lymphatic drainage. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as it helps flush out excess fluid. You may also want to explore lower-impact workouts or reduce workout intensity to see if that improves the swelling. Lymphatic massage can also help promote better fluid movement in the area.

I encourage you to follow up with your surgeon to ensure everything is healing as expected. Swelling after intense physical activity is often temporary and should improve over time as your body continues to adapt. Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Dear Jessica.Joy84,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question! It is not uncommon to have swelling that comes and goes after surgery. I inform my patients that this could last 1-2 years out after your Tummy Tuck surgery. If you are going to be more active one day wear a compression garment to sleep to help control swelling during night. Best of Luck!

Jessica,
The long term swelling that comes after Tummy Tucks is usually related to the fact that the normal lymphatic drainage is disrupted. The body will create new connections for the lymphatic system to deal with swelling, but it may never be quite as good as before your tummy tuck.
It is possible that it your post-workout swelling will continue to improve, but at 18 months post-operatively you may have reached the limit of what your tissue can handle after the intense (5 hr !) work outs you are describing. There are always other reasons that could be attibuting to swelling including high salt/sugar drinks / diets. Many workout related supplements/beverages often have pretty high salt content so beware.

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! Typically swelling will have resolved by this point in your recovery. You may want to wear compression when you are very active or on your feet alot to help control the swelling. You may also want to look into lymphatic massage.