Lots of Swelling at 3 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am 3 weeks post op. Tummy tuck and liposuction of stomach lower back and love handles. I am double my size I was before! I have a flat tummy but I feel so bloated and it still looks like I have love handles. Is this swelling?? Shouldn't I be smaller than before surgery not bigger?

B. Kalantarian, MD · Answer

Swelling three weeks after tummy tuck and liposuction is normal. It can take more than 4-6 months for the swelling to disappear. Wearing compression garment will help with the swelling. You should consult with your physician to make sure you did not develop any fluid (seroma) or blood (hematoma) under the skin. When seroma is large in volume, sometimes you can feel the fluid moving under the skin and when you feel the skin it moves like a waterbed.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

You would clearly have a sizable amount of swelling three weeks after all the surgery you've undergone. Nevertheless you should check with your surgeon to make certain that you do not have a drainable fluid collection under the abdominoplasty flap.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Without pictures, it is difficult to truly give a good answer to your questions.  At three weeks, swelling being present in the surgical areas is very normal.  Sometimes people will feel larger and bloated for several weeks.  It will pass with time.  You are still very early in the recovery period.

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling at 3 weeks after tummy tuck and liposuction is absolutely normal. Having swelling in the areas that were liposuctioned is normal, and yes it can even look puffier than before (early on, and then it gets better with time). Without seeing you one cannot say whether your case in particular is normal. I would not expect the volume in the liposuctioned areas to double in size though. That sounds more dramatic and I would make sure you are keeping close followup with your operating surgeon. I have found that patients who have tummy tuck with abdominal or flank (love handles) liposuction tend to keep their drains in a little longer, be swollen a little longer, and wear a binder a little longer than when the tummy tuck is done without liposuction. The results of liposuction will not be at the final result at 3 weeks in any patient. This is still considered early in your postoperative course. Generally speaking it is normal to feel bloated and swollen at 3 weeks, but I recommend seeing your surgeon to make sure you don't have anything more serious going on.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

It's perfectly normal to have swelling 3 weeks after a tummy tuck. I advise my patients to wear a support garment and to avoid exercise for the first 6 weeks. Keep your appointments with your plastic surgeon.I hope that helps and wish you all the best!Dr Knoetgen

Lots of Swelling at 3 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

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Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck and lipo

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck and lipo

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

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Lots of Swelling at 3 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (9)

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck and lipo

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck and lipo

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.