Swelling 3 months after tummy tuck! (photo)

Question

So I ever swelled bad, but now that I finally got the OK to excercise all I been doing cardio (light running) and I swell SO BAD ! Will it eventually go away or will it worsen?!!!?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (3 months post-po) the swelling has to be minimal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling can persist for
several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months,
six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and
penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two
weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.

It may take several
months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and
for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive
surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars
may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to
settle.

These can be improved
with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma.
Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow
with products such as Embrace.  On
occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment
including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.

These are just some basic post-op points, but you can be sure that swelling will persist at intervals for months after surgery. If you are every worried or concerned about the healing process it would be best to visit your surgeon to have the area examined for proper healing. Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, longer-term swelling after tummy tuck surgery is not uncommon;  swelling may persist for many months and even up to one year after the procedure is performed. Often, patients will report that the swelling increases as their activity level increases and gets worse later on in the day. Sometimes, the use of compressive garments may be helpful to control the edema.

I would suggest that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon, who will be in the best position to assess your situation and provide you with specific recommendations. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term care.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

You look great. Yes, it is totally normal to still be swollen at 3 months post op. It may take anywhere form 6 months to a year for the swelling to fully subside. Hope this helps.Kindly,Kouros Azar

Hector Milla, MD · Answer

Hi and congratulations for your great result after tummy tuck. If you feel like you are getting swollen I would go even lighter maybe walking for a short period of time and increase it progressively.Best wishes

Swelling 3 months after tummy tuck! (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Post op swelling

Answer: Post op swelling

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

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Swelling 3 months after tummy tuck! (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Post op swelling

Answer: Post op swelling

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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