Swelling very bad when I don't wear compression garment, 7 weeks post op tummy tuck. Is this normal?

Talk to your plastic surgeon so that he/she can examine and advise you more appropropriately to rule out more serious causes. However, you are still early in your recovery phase and swelling can take months to truly resolve. It is a common complaint for patients that undergo tummy tucks to feel swollen immediately after removing the garment and once they go back to work. A few things that may help: 1. make sure your garment is still giving you the appropriate compression. If too loose, it's not helping. If its too tight, your legs will swell.2. decrease yout salt intake. Drink plenty of water. That helps alot with the swelling. Many times patients drink less water thinking it will make the swelling resolve. The opposite is true. 3. Change positions frequently. If you are in a chair/desk position most of the time. Make sure you are getting up and walking around frequently to help with circulation. 4. Eat high fiber fruits and veggies to help with constipation and bloating which can also make you feel even more uncomfortable and "tight" in a compression garment.

Hi
there, thanks for your question about swelling after your tummy tuck. With
questions about recent plastic surgery procedures, I strongly encourage patients
to discuss with the providers who performed their procedure. He or she
best knows you and the procedure they performed and it could be a good idea to
also have them evaluate for a possible seroma. Best of luck to you.
-Dr. Coan.