5 days after my tummy tuck and I feel so bloated. Is this normal?

Question

When will the bloating go away... Will my stomach be even flatter after the swelling. I believe I was in shock when my doctor removed my bandages and now I have all these questions. How long does it take to see the full effect of the tummy tuck.

Alfredo Hoyos, MD · Answer

The week after of the surgery the patient can be uncomfortable and he
can have permanent trouble staying upright. Because of that it is important for
patients to try to walk to help prevent any blood clots in the legs.

• After two
weeks patients see the changes. At this point the patients probably return
to work, if your job is physically, he needs to consult the doctor if you can
do it.

• The healing process depends on each patient. One
month after the procedure patients are able to see results and be able to
return to a daily normal life.

• Patients are likely to be fully recovered from 6-8
weeks after the tummy tuck procedure has been performed.

• Your stomach may look swollen for months, but after
6 months you might appreciate your new and amazing stomach.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

This can be a normal consequence of the healing process or the pain medications you are taking. It can take one to two weeks for soreness to resolve but two or three months until you feel totally "back to normal."

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Yes, this is completely normal. I advise my patients to wait a good 6 months to a year to see their final result because it can take a while for ALL of the swelling to resolve. Continue wearing your compression garment and follow your operating surgeon's post op protocol for the best possible results! Good luck!

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with my colleague, but the other consideration is that narcotic pain medicine can easily result in constipation. In addition to drinking plenty of water, you need to make sure that you are back to a regular bowel regimen. I suggest checking in with your surgeon for his or her guidance. It is still very early so be patient, and make sure that your surgeon is very involved and aware of your progress. Communication with your doctor is key to a speedy and uncomplicated recovery. Best of luck.

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Having swelling after a surgery always happens.what you see on the day of bandage removal is completely lost in the first week. you will be so swollen that you will reach the preoperative size or even bigger. but the swelling will gradually resolve in the following 3-4 weeks and you will will get the intended results.

Scott D. Holley, MD, FACS · Answer

The concerns you express are quite common in the early stages of recovery following a tummy tuck.  Remember, you have had less that a week of recovery time and your tissues will be quite swollen yet from the physical trauma of the surgery.I find that the majority of swelling will steadily decline over the first month following surgery.  However, subtle contour changes will take place over the next 3 months, longer if you also had liposuction.You will no doubt be seeing your surgeon again in the next few weeks so do not hesitate to express your concerns and ask questions.  It may also be a good idea to review your specific need for compression wear, soft tissue massage, activity limitation, etc.Best of luck!

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The tightness, swelling, numbness, itching and hardness after a surgery like you had typically persists at least 8 weeks after the surgery then slowly goes away. In my experience, daily massage of the hard areas makes the biggest difference in getting rid of it sooner rather than later. It can easily take 4-6 months to see results. Your scars will also flatten and fade but usually takes 9-12 months. Be sure to keep any scheduled follow up appointments you have with your surgeons for his evaluation and advice. You appear to be healing well so far. Hope this helps. Dean Vistnes.

Michael E. Ciaravino, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The bloating and swelling post tummy tuck takes months to subside. You need to stay hydrated and continue to wear your compression garment for the recommended by your plastic surgeon. You will see quite a bit of the swelling and bloating reduce with in the first 3 months, but some patients can experience it for longer than that. Keep in mind the more active you begin to be the more swelling you will notice for a while. Especially by the end of the day you will notice you have more swelling than you did first thing in the morning.

5 days after my tummy tuck and I feel so bloated. Is this normal?

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