What Can You Do to Relieve Tummy Tuck Swelling?

Question

I'm 1 week post op and I'm starting to swell. I knew it would happen and I know it will go away, but damn it's uncomfortable. Anything you can take? Anything you can eat that helps? A wizard I can contact?

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Try the following to reduce swelling after your tummy tuck:
1. Avoid salt
2. Wear your girdle regularly 24/7
3. Avoid clothing that pinches or leaves a mark above the swelling
4. Avoid sitting for long periods of time. Take frequent walking breaks at work.
5. Avoid fatty or gassy foods. Use mild stool softener
6. Massage when you get the go ahead from your doc
7. Try arnica - a lot of people swear by it

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Sorry, no wizard here.  Some surgeons use Arnica to decrease swelling / bruising - I am not aware of any good science that it makes things significantly better. Make sure the "uncomfortable" nature of your situation is not related to constipation (use high fiber foods, fluids, prune juice, etc).  Also make sure that you don't have a fluid collection below the skin flaps (seroma). This may present as a fluid wave sensation.   Keep close follow up with your surgeon for examination and reassurance.

	Best wishes

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Some swelling is normal, but make sure you are seeing your surgeon every couple of days.  It is possible that your drains are not working, and if you had no drains placed like some surgeons do, you may have a seroma, a fluid collection or a hematoma, a blood collection.  Finally, have you had a proper bowel movement? Patients do often get constipated after surgery and this can lead to dramatic bloating.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

It is common to have swelling post tummy tuck. Each surgeon has his or her own guidelines regarding post operative care. Consult with your surgeon as he or she knows the scope of the surgery and the specifics about you.

Isolde Hertess, MD · Answer

The swelling at one week after tummy tuck surgery is often at its maximum 3 to 10 days after surgery.

	Please check with your surgeon to make sure that you don't have an abnormal fluid collection (haematoma or seroma) or infection.

	Otherwise try to rest  because excessive movement can cause more swelling. Make sure that you are wearing your compression garment 24 hours per day and keep your bowls regular.

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What Can You Do to Relieve Tummy Tuck Swelling?

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling post Tummy Tuck

Answer: Swelling post Tummy Tuck

Answer: Swelling one week after tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling one week after tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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