Swelling after removed skin. 11 days post mastectomy, panniculectomy, belt lipectomy, brachioplasty, and repair. Advice? (photo)

Question

Hello, I went in 11 days ago and had a mastectomy, panniculectomy, belt lipectomy, brachioplasty, and repair on my abdomen muscles. Pain is fine, back to work after 9 days! I have some extreme swelling and weight gain. I went into surgery at 175, 10lbs of skin removed, I now weigh 184 11 days after. Also, none of my jeans or pants even allow me to move the zipper up, let alone button them. Is it normal to have such swelling (and weight gain) in an area that did not have any surgical work done?

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question and congratulations on your life-changing surgeries and quick return to work! Swelling is part of the bodies natural response to surgery though the extent of it varies by patient and procedures performed. Typically the swelling is significantly reduced after 2 weeks and almost completely gone after 6 weeks. 
I appreciate that the weight gain and clothing not fitting might be disconcerting after all of your progress. If you stick to your normal diet and eventually return to your excercise routine, you will return to your pre-operatetive weight, minus the weight of the tissue removed.
Follow up evaluation with your surgeon will allow them to determine if your swelling is within the range of what is expected.
Best wishes in your recovery,
Dr. Moein

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos you included! Post operative swelling is common and should be expected after any one of these procedures, and it appears as though you had all of them combined. Be sure you are visiting the board certified plastic surgeon who performed your surgeries on a regular basis to manage your swelling. Your surgeon may recommend massage, drinking plenty of water - even up to 3 liters, or they may prescribe you a diuretic to help expel some of the fluid accumulated.  Congratulations on making it to 11 days post op! Good Luck!

Swelling after removed skin. 11 days post mastectomy, panniculectomy, belt lipectomy, brachioplasty, and repair. Advice? (photo)

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Swelling after removed skin. 11 days post mastectomy, panniculectomy, belt lipectomy, brachioplasty, and repair. Advice? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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