Is it normal after a tummy tuck to swell up more after removing compression garment?

Hello, it is fairly common to experience the type of temporary swelling you are describing after the compression garment is discontinued.  Usually after several months this will subside.  

Hello,Yes, this is normal at your stage post op. Many patients find that increased activity, long periods of standing and discontinuing binder use can lead to a return of swelling that they thought had resolved. Your tissues will be sensitive and prone to temporary swelling for another few months.All the best

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!

Swelling is still expected at this phase of healing, especially after activity. It should improve as you continue to heal. As it is causing discomfort you may want to consider a lighter compression. Some refer to it as Stage 2 compression which is less restrictive, but still supportive.

Hi, lrmcmaster.  What you are describing is very normal after tummy tuck and after removing the compression garment.  Once you stop wearing compression garment, you will have some swelling.  It is normal to see more swelling throughout the day with activities.  Although most swelling decreases after 6 weeks, the final result of tummy tuck and the swelling may take up to 6 months. Please do not stay lying down in bed.  Slowly get back to your normal routine.  Swelling will decrease with time.  Good luck.

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/she should be able to guide you best in your care.



Wishing you the best in your journey

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. Yes, longer-term swelling after tummy tuck surgery is not uncommon; swelling may persist for many months and even up to one year after the procedure is performed. Often, patients will report that the swelling increases as their activity level increases and gets worse later on in the day. Sometimes, the use of compressive garments may be helpful to control the edema.

I would suggest that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon, who will be in the best position to assess your situation and provide you with specific recommendations. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term care.

Thank you for the question. You are in the early stages of the healing process. Healing from surgery will take time. In 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. The surgical areas will typically appear as swollen, "lumpy/bumpy", feel tender, firm, etc. Over ensuing months these processes will subside and the inflammatory process gives way to scar softening and remodeling. It is during this time that you will start to see your results appear as the swelling dissipates and the soft tissues soften. I tell my patients that they will not see their final results for at least to 6 months. I hope this helps. Best of luck.