Is swelling in hips, groin and thighs normal after a no drain tummy tuck?

Question

Is swelling in hips, groin, thighs and low back normal after a no drain tummy tuck and diastasis repair? I am wearing a binder and the swelling is accumulating below it. I am 3 days post-op and extremely sore. I have been sitting in a recliner with my feet up and only get up to use the bathroom (still no bm) because it's very painful to walk. Is there something I am doing wrong or should be doing to help the swelling and pain?

Thomas S. Taylor, FACS · Answer

A "no drain" tummy tuck is a bit unusual in my opinion.  Without a drain there will definitely be more swelling throughout the abdomen and below such as the pubic area and thighs. Also, the chances of developing a seroma is very high.  It sounds like you have a seroma forming since your swelling is increasing and you are having increasing pain and difficulty walking. Your surgeon must have had a reason and a strategy for not using a drain in your tummy tuck procedure.  I would make an appointment to see him to discuss this and to be checked for an expanding seroma.Good luck!Dr. Taylor

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing after a  #tummytuck will requires time. Your abdomen will feel tight for a month or longer. If you have had a muscle repair as well (the usual case), you will feel the most tightness down the center of your tummy where the doctor has actually repaired your muscles. The purpose of the post-procedure #garment is to provide some gentle #support and to reduce swelling following a #TummyTuck or #Abdominoplasty. If it feels too tight or causes pain, take it off. Patients wear the #elastic garment for several weeks after surgery, as directed by their doctor. Some choose to wear it longer for several months for comfort.The #healing process make take at least 3-4 months until you see your final results. I suggest you contact your surgeon or their medical staff and further inquire. At any time, you have any concerns about your healing or recovery, it's best to contact your plastic surgeon  sooner than later,  to prevent any possible infections or #healing complications.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Best to keep close contact with your plastic surgeon with a no drain tummy tuck. Seromas can form and you'll need to pay close attention to any signs of infection (increasing pain, swelling, redness, drainage, fever . . .) and call your plastic surgeon ASAP.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

This probably should be brought to the attention of your own surgeon. Some swelling is fairly common and your binder might need to be loosened a bit.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank for your answer!You need to be checked by your plastic surgeon, a physical examination is the best to get answers. Ask him about drains if that is concerning you.Have a nice day!

Is swelling in hips, groin and thighs normal after a no drain tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling below an abdominoplasty is common that may be related to tightness of the binder.

Answer: Swelling below an abdominoplasty is common that may be related to tightness of the binder.

Answer: Is swelling in hips, groin and thighs normal after a no drain tummy tuck?

Answer: Is swelling in hips, groin and thighs normal after a no drain tummy tuck?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Drainless Tummy Tuck

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

Is swelling in hips, groin and thighs normal after a no drain tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling below an abdominoplasty is common that may be related to tightness of the binder.

Answer: Swelling below an abdominoplasty is common that may be related to tightness of the binder.

Answer: Is swelling in hips, groin and thighs normal after a no drain tummy tuck?

Answer: Is swelling in hips, groin and thighs normal after a no drain tummy tuck?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Drainless Tummy Tuck

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