Swelling & some weight gain 3 weeks after my Tummy Tuck. Is this normal?

Question

Hi, I had a tummy tuck done (without a muscle repair) and it was all fine until week 3 however; after week 3 I gained some weight and my swelling got a little worse, arent I supposed to get better after week 3?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. You are still in the early stage of recovery, so swelling is still to be expected. In my experience,after the first 7 to 10
days the patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next
six weeks.

Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and
will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Maintain a close relationship with your PS so that all of your concerns and questions will be shared with him in order to provide the best individualized care for you. Best wishes to you!#TT  #swelling  #3weekspostop

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

All patients still have swelling at three weeks after a tummy tuck.Additionally, it is expected that your weight at three weeks will be higher than your pre-operative weight. We see this all the time.As the swelling goes down over the next couple months, and as you become more physically active, you will lose that weight. Thanks for sharing!

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

It is very normal to have more swelling in the early postoperative period (first 6 weeks to 3 months) as you increase your activity.  The swelling could be water retention which is contributing to your weight gain but the sedentary lifestyle that is required after a tummy tuck could be partly to blame as well.  May sure to continue regular f/u with your PS and best of luck with your continued recovery!

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Your body is still in the recovery period from your surgery so you can definitely expect some swelling. And the weight gain is most likely a result of this fluid retention and should resolve itself as your swelling subsides. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and provided information as well. You are very early in your recovery.Early weight gain is related to fluids administered during surgery to maintain your electrolytes and cardiovascular stability.     Some patients can take several weeks to work off this excess fluid.    In addition, as your activity level increases, you may notice that the tissues swell again and take some time to go down.   This is related to your lymphatics (vessels that remove swelling) having to re-network after surgery.   It is very common to see this in the lower abdomen after a tummy tuck.  This should all return to normal as your activity level progresses.Be careful to eat a healthy diet rich in protein and complex carbs and avoid fats and salty foods. I wish you a safe and healthy recovery. :)

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your recent tummy tuck.Each patient can heal and recover at different rate.Most patients experience the worst swelling during the first couple weeks.  The majority of swelling (and weight gain) should decrease in 6 weeks; the final outcome of the surgery may take up to 6 months to appreciate.Please check back with your plastic surgeon to make sure that you are progressing as expected.Good luck with your continued recovery.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Your swelling is normal after having a tummy tuck but will get better over the next several months.  In the meantime you can wear your compression garment and watch your salt intake.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

It is still early in the post operative period and your swelling will persist for a few months.  The weight is most likely fluid retention and should also improve as the healing continues.   Good luck.  Donald R.  Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

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