Swelling 2 weeks after tummy tuck (Photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck on 1/10/16. I had the drain removed on 1/24/16 and today out no where I have this pain on my left side and some swelling on top of the incision. Yes I have been wearing the girdle and the abdominal binder 24/7. I'm not a smoker, I don't drink, I'm very healthy, I'm a healthy eater. Also this is the first time I had a surgery. Could my abdominal binder be to tight and thats is painful and swollen?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Within a few hours following surgery, abdominoplasty patients will walk in a slightly bent-over position. Strenuous activity and lifting of more than 10 pounds should be avoided for six weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work and daily activities within two weeks of surgery.Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate. You can return to full activity without restrictions at 6 weeks.It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to settle.These can be improved with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as Embrace.  On occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.As questions arise with the healing process, regarding swelling, scars, infections or others, it is always best to visit your surgeon to have the area examined and make sure that healing is progressing as it should. There is always the potential for a problem and your own surgeon knows your personal case the best and can give the most experienced advice. Good luck.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling after a tummy tuck is normal.  Some patients have prolonged swelling.  I have seen it for 18 months, then just suddenly resolve.  What is clear, however, is that if you listen to your body, the swelling will resolve faster.  If there are activities that cause swelling, you must hold off on them until they no longer create an issue.  If you try to work through the swelling, it will prolong the process because you are never letting it heal.  Everyone is different.  People want to get back to their routine and want to see results, fast.  The tummy tuck is a big operation that must be respected.  If you can exercise without swelling, then you are doing well.  If you swell at the end of a day at work at a desk job, then you have to be very careful with your choices, and you must rest as much as possible.  After a month, compression also helps

Terrence Higgins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos.
Your post operative swelling looks fairly normal, but you should be evaluated for any change (increased swelling) to rule out possible seroma or fluid collection.
Your board certified plastic surgeon that performed your surgery can also evaluate your compression garments to make sure they are fitted well.

Best of luck to you!

Swelling 2 weeks after tummy tuck (Photos)

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Swelling 2 weeks after tummy tuck (Photos)

Answers (3)

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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.