I recently had an extended abdominoplasty done, can't fit in any pants that I normally wore before the surgery is this common?

Question

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. After a tummy tuck surgery,  there is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The lateer phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient. The swelling must be the reason why you can´t fit in the clothes you wore before surgery.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Most patients will be placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next six weeks. You can return to full activity without restrictions at 6 weeks.

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.

While it is normal to experience swelling for a number of months after the tummy tuck there is no reason that you should be afraid to visit your surgeon to have the area examined for proper healing. If you are worried at all a follow-up appointment would be good to make sure that healing is progressing well. Good luck.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Swelling can last many months post op so Typically, people feel a bit thick around the middle for a while. Eventually, the expectation is that your waistline will be slimmer and tummy flatter than before. Try to wait until 6 months post op before evaluating.All the best

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You will be more swollen for a few months after surgery before you get to your final contour and waistline.  You should be patient during this period but you should see significant improvement.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You should expect to have swelling for three to six months following tummy tuck surgery. Use of a properly fitted compression garment will help decrease the length and severity of the post-operative swelling. As the swelling decreases, the contour of your abdomen, flanks, and hips will dramatically improve. Please follow your plastic surgeons specific advice regarding your level of physical activity. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

I recently had an extended abdominoplasty done, can't fit in any pants that I normally wore before the surgery is this common?

Answers (7)

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Tummy Tuck - Post Op Swelling?

Answer: Tummy Tuck - Post Op Swelling?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

I recently had an extended abdominoplasty done, can't fit in any pants that I normally wore before the surgery is this common?

Answers (7)

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Tummy Tuck - Post Op Swelling?

Answer: Tummy Tuck - Post Op Swelling?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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