How long does your stomach stay swollen after a panniculectomy?

Although the majority of swelling is gone within the first month, it takes between three and six months to see the "final" result.  Best wishes.

Thank you for your question regarding how long does swelling last after a panniculectomy. This is a great question. Every patient is different and swelling after a panniculectomy is highly variable. However, on average, 90% of the swelling will be gone 4 weeks after a panniculectomy. After approximately 12 weeks after a panniculectomy, almost all of the swelling should be gone. During the healing after a panniculectomy, there will be days where you are  more swollen; this is typically, due to increased activity and circulation. However, all the swelling after a panniculectomy eventually goes down. Compression and lymphatic massages with help to decrease swelling after a panniculectomy.  I hope that I have answered your question regarding swelling after a panniculectomy. 
I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss.  If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, high lateral tension tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact my office. Since the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or extended tummy tuck surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Hello,
Thank you for your question. Though, you will certainly see immediate improvement, swelling after panniculectomy can last up to 6 - 8 weeks.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

Everyone heals at a different rate, in general most of the swelling should resolve in 6 to 8 weeks, however it may be several months before you see your final result. Good luck.

Swelling after a panniculectomy can last months after the procedure. Your recovery time for a panni is from 6 to 8 weeks before you may be able to see your final outcome. Every patient is different so the earliest recovery is 2 weeks to go back to work, where you don't have to have to do strenuous activity. You want to have that conversation with your plastic surgeon so that he may give you the instructions that he wants you to adhere. 

Swelling will be present for several months, going down gradually, but you will immediately notice the absence of the overhanging skin and likely need a smaller size in pants quite rapidly after the procedure.