Mini Tummy Tuck Swelling: Will it go Down?

Thank you for your question. Swelling after a tummy tuck procedure
typically decreases with every week that passes, with the majority of
the swelling gone by six weeks. From that point, I often tell patients
that they can go about freely to exercise or engage in strenuous
activity and lifting. Increased activity, however, may prolong how long
the small remaining swelling takes to subside. The swelling may also
be more intermittent at this stage and related to the degree of activity
in any given day. This may last between the three - six month mark. I
would visit with your plastic surgeon at the six month mark to revisit
your results and take post-op photographs.

It is too early to assess your results.  Continue to wear compression and you results will become apparent gradually, over 6-8 weeks.   However, even at that interval you will still have some swelling that may take up to 6-8 months to completely resolve.   Be patient!

Swelling can persist for several months in some people.  Be patient, and the swelling will decrease.  Your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will let you know how the repair of the muscle went if you need this part of the procedure.

HiThanks for your question and sorry you have this concern.Swelling is quite common after body contouring procedures, which is why aggressive compression is typically recommended. At two weeks the swelling should be at or beyond its peak, but it will take months to get the final result.You should see your PS for post-op follow up to make sure you don't have a fluid collection which may be worsening your appearance. And please follow your post-op instructions and with time your results should start to show.I hope this helps.....

Hello
For now it is too soon to see how your final result will look like. You are still in the healing process, so I recommend to be patient, wear your compression garment and follow all other directions given by your surgeon. If you're still worried don't hesitate to discuss it with your doctor. Best wishes.

Regards

Dr. Israel Mañon

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Two weeks post-operatively, it is far too soon to see the final results of surgery. Swelling is a part of the normal healing process. Swelling should subside within a couple months. My patients are asked to wear an abdominal binder to help minimize swelling and aid in the healing process. I ask my patients to stay in a flexed position for 4 weeks to prevent any complications and tension on the incision. It is important that you follow the instructions of your surgeon to ensure the best result possible. Follow up with him or her to check for any fluid accumulation (seroma). Good luck!

Most surgeries require some degree of recovery. Body contouring often requires more. We expect immediate gratification but often times have to wait a considerable amount of time particularly with body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck. If your doctor also performed liposuction it could be even greater. Remember a couple of things:

1. it usually takes two weeks to get back to your preoperative weight

2. early changes are seen by 4-6 weeks

3. final contour ( depending on the procedure) may take 4-6 months to achieve and as expected rely on your appropriate diet and exercise participation.

Hello,

Some of what you are seeing is probably swelling. Mini tummy tucks rarely flatten much though. Let things settle over the next 3-6 months and then re-assess.

 

Best Regards,

 

John Di Saia

I agree that it is hard to tell this early.  Are those your pre op or post op photos? Excessive swelling can occur with fluid accumulation- your surgeon should assess you for a seroma (fluid).  If that is not the case I would recommend good compression, a low salt diet and time will tell.  If you still have that much swelling after 4-6 weeks then you should be able to tell what is skin/fat and what is not.  Good luck!

At this early stage of recovery it is very difficult to assess what you final outcome will be.  However, know that it is quite common for early swelling to occur and often make your contour worse in the beginning. As the swelling goes down the new shape presents itself.  Discuss this concern with your PS.