3 weeks post op of Tummy Tuck, I'm still very swollen in my lower abdomen. How long does it take for the swelling to go down?

Question

hello, tomorrow marks it three weeks since my tummy tuck/breast aug/ and lipo of the flanks and hips. i am still very swollen and in my lower abdomen. I mentioned it to my doctor and he said that would go down. But i have not seen any progress. how long does it normally take for the swelling to go down where its not that noticeable. I also have swelling in my flank area.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still in the very recent post-op period and this swelling is absolutely normal. All patients will react differently.Please realize that swelling of the lower abdomen is the last to resolve. Patients will frequently wake with a flat tummy only to be really puffy in the evening when they get home from work. Swelling can take up to 1 year, so be patient. Good luck

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Each patient
heals differently after a surgical procedure.  It is quite normal to still have some initial swelling at the 3 week
mark.  Swelling can still be apparent for
up to 3 – 6 months.  Be patient.  You are still in the early stages of your
recovery.  Your best source of
information is your surgeon.  If you are
still concerned with your swelling, call or visit their office so that they can
take a closer look and let you know if the swelling is appropriate for this
stage of your recovery.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

The swelling goes down by three months. Continue to wear your compression garment.   This will help tremendously.

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

It typically takes 6 weeks to 3 momths for the majority of the swelling to go away.  Ice and compression help. Keep in contact with your surgeion.
Good Luck

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

For many patients, the worst swelling is at about 3 weeks after surgery. You have been inactive for several weeks now and the inflammatory response of the body is just now starting to resolve. It might take up to 3 months for the majority of the swelling to fully dissipate.

Constance M. Barone, MD · Answer

If it is not fluid and true swelling it can take up to 8 weeks to three months.   An abdominal binder will decease the swelling both from the liposuction and the lymphatic swelling of the abdominal skin flap.   If it is fluid then your surgeon may opt to drain it with a small needle.    Best to you.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Usually it takes about 4 month for the swollen to diminish and disappear.But you should investigate if you have a Seroma (fluid accumulation) on your lower abdomen, it usually needs some drainage to improve the process.Also you have to use a compression garment during the day for about 4 weeks to limit the swollen.

3 weeks post op of Tummy Tuck, I'm still very swollen in my lower abdomen. How long does it take for the swelling to go down?

Answers (7)

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