Swelling After Removing Compression Garment for Tummy Tuck

Question

I had a tummy tuck 8 weeks ago, when i take off the compress for a few hours it seems and feels like i'm swelling and don't have the same countour shape as i have right after taking off the garment. Is this going to change, i'm going to have the same shape i have with the garment on?

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Every operation, by its very nature, results in swelling. The more extensive the operation and the wider interruption of blood vessels and lymphatics, the greater the swelling. There are many reasons (not all scientifically based) for wearing a compression garment after a Tummy Tuck. The most convincing is to allow the formerly elevated and advanced skin to re-adhere to the underlying flattened and tightened tummy muscles. By 4 weeks after surgery, the adherence is complete. Wearing a compression garment after 4 weeks, in my opinion, is a crutch. It makes people "feel" better by having the comfort "things" are held in place. HOWEVER, like a tight bandage or cast, garments compress tissues causing swelling in adjacent areas and to some extent hamper the blood and lymphatic flow in the skin under the garment.

	It is NOT that the skin swells after a garment is removed, it is that it achieves it normal appearance for THAT STAGE of healing. Keeping the skin needlessly compressed achieves nothing ; just like wearing a tight pair shoes does not really reduce the size of your feet and the swelling seen upon removal of these shoes has more to do with the shoes than with your feet.

	I stopped using compression garments with my Tummy Tucks and found that my healing was not prolonged by that the comfort of my patients and their surgical experience was significantly increased.

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

Swelling is a common occurrence after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery, and it can persist for several weeks to months as part of the normal healing process. The compression garment is typically worn after surgery to help minimize swelling, provide support to the surgical area, and promote better contouring of the abdomen.
When you remove the compression garment, especially in the early stages of recovery, you may notice an increase in swelling due to the absence of compression. This is normal and expected. However, the swelling should gradually decrease over time as your body continues to heal.
To manage swelling after removing the compression garment, you can try the following:
1.	Elevate: Keep your upper body elevated, especially when lying down or resting, to help reduce swelling in the abdominal area.
2.	Ice packs: Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the swollen areas for short periods (about 15-20 minutes at a time) can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.
3.	Light activity: Engage in light activities and gentle movements to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can help reduce swelling.
4.	Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as proper hydration can help flush out excess fluids and reduce swelling.
5.	Follow post-operative instructions: Adhere to your surgeon's post-operative instructions, including any recommendations for managing swelling and when to wear the compression garment.
If you have concerns about swelling or notice any unusual symptoms, it's essential to contact your plastic surgeon for guidance and evaluation. They can provide guidance based on your individual recovery process and ensure that you're progressing as expected.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It takes 3-4 months for the lymphatic channels to reconnect after a TT so some patients will experience proplonged swelling with their garment off. Maybe wean off the garment, increase your exercise, and massage the area. It will get better.

Swelling After Removing Compression Garment for Tummy Tuck

Answers (3)

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