5 weeks post op full TT with muscle repair. Swelling after stopping compression garment and pain question.

Question

I returned to normal light activity for the past few days. But after just a couple of hrs I begin to swell and feel discomfort. There is also a dull achey pain with the swelling. The pain lessens if i lie down. Is this normal after removing the compression? I don't want to wear it again! Should I be resting or keep up with normal daily (light) activities? I woke this morning with a sharp pain going vertically down the muscle. Is this linked or something different? Thank you in advance.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Swelling will be an on-going battle over the next few weeks, but a battle you will win.  The more quickly you ramp up your activity the more swelling you should expect.  This will get better every week.  Many patients find returning to short stints of compression can help.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, it is not uncommon for patients to report some aches and pains as they gradually resume their regular activities around 5-6 weeks postop.  Nonetheless I would suggest discussing specific concerns with your PS because they are aware of your healing progress.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Hi there… It is quite normal to have symptoms like yours after removing the garments and being without it for extended periods of time. When this happens I recommend that my patients take it slow and start using themselves into being without the garment and its support. This tends to help reduce the problems that you're describing. I wish you the best! Dr. Gabbay.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions, and I am sorry that you are facing these issues.  Without the compression of your garment to help minimize swelling, and with the return to normal light activity, it is not unexpected to experience increased swelling.   Your body is still healing healing itself after your surgery, and it takes a few months for connections around your incision to form to prevent this swelling.  As far as your pain, increased swelling causes your skin to stretch, which can be painful,  and the muscle repair may be getting additional stress as you've become more active, but it is always best to have your pain evaluated by your surgeon to ensure any issues are addressed before they become problems.  Hang in there!

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Experiencing swelling after compression garment/binder removal is normal.  With time, swelling will decrease.  You can continue your light daily activities and progress as you feel up to it. Your sharp pain on the abdomen may have been from muscle stretching.  Good luck with your recovery.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is important that you listen to your body. At this point you are still in the early phase of healing.  During the initial phase after surgery, within the first three months, there is a period of inflammation and scarring that must occur in order for you to heal. It is during this time that you will appear swollen, lumpy/bumpy, etc. So it is not unusual at this stage to experience discomfort and swelling with increased activity levels. Over ensuing months these processes will subside and the inflammatory process gives way to scar softening and remodeling. It is during this time, as the soft tissues begin to accommodate, that you will start to see your results appear and these symptoms begin to abate. Typically I will allow patients to begin walking, not power walking, the day after surgery. By 3 weeks the patients are allowed to increase their level of activity to power walking or light jog, but no lifting of weight or abdominal exercises. I release patients to full, unrestricted activity at 8 weeks post op.What you are describing is most likely self limiting, however I would recommend close follow up with your plastic surgeon as they are in the best position to evaluate and treat you in the post operative period. This will allow you and your surgeon the chance to further discuss your concerns and help allay any anxieties you may be experiencing.I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I am sorry that you are having concerns about your procedure
and thanks for sharing your question.

When doing your tummy tuck the drainage
pathways were interrupted in order to favor pulling more skin down. These
channels take several months to get reestablished.

As you feel less pain, the production
of fluid increases within the tissues.

Definitively the garment will help. If you
are totally against it, please reconsider. You can always put it on top of a t-shirt.
Lymphatic massage can always help.

Finally, make sure that your doctor is
aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.

Wishing you the best in your journey

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

It is normal to have some swelling increase after garment is removed.  I would recommend you see your surgeon for an evaluation about the pain to sort out the cause.   You may be overdoing your activity and need to limit it to an extent.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

5 weeks post op full TT with muscle repair. Swelling after stopping compression garment and pain question.

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