The swelling typically is peaking at 6 weeks, and continue to be moderately pronounced until 2 months. Some degree of swelling after tummy tuck can last up to a year. Of course you will be more swollen for the first several months. In fact, it is very important that you refrain from any vigorous physical activity for the first 2 months after tummy tuck.
At that point you can start exercising, but if anything you do results in swelling, you should wait on that activity. As long as you stay behind this swelling curve, the surgery will continue to heal over the next 6 months. People who try to push through the swelling almost always end up with prolonged healing and can compromise their outcome. It is totally normal to be “larger” after tummy tuck for some time, and patients report they cannot fit into their old clothes. Then, as the swelling goes down, there are remarkable transformations. Just be patient, the swelling will resolve.
Upper abdominal swelling after tummy tuck can take some time to resolve. The swelling comes from a combination of issues including edema (fluid) in your soft tissues as your body heals as well as the fact that the surgery itself has interrupted the small lymphatic channels that return fluid from your body.
Until these heal fully you may notice some puffiness. Swelling is usually worse towards the incision as well.
Upper abdominal swelling after tummy tuck can last for several months after your tummy tuck. It’s best to wait at least 6 months before evaluating your results, or longer if your recovery rate is slow.
It is perfectly normal to have continued swelling four weeks after your tummy tuck. It takes at least four months for all of your swelling to resolve. Also remember, the swelling is in all of the layers of your abdominal wall, not just the skin. I would not worry at this stage as your swelling will continue to resolve.
In my opinion, approximately 60% of your swelling should be out at 4 weeks, and 80% out at 6 weeks. I would expect that your tummy tuck result should improve significantly over the next two weeks. The final result will not be seen; however, until you are 6 months post-op.
If you are concerned that you may need additional contouring, I would discuss with your surgeon what other options are available once you are completely healed. Often times, a little bit of liposuction down the line can go a long way to getting you the waist you desire!
The swelling will continue for a few months , from 6-8 months. Try to avoid the sun and do not go overboard with the exercise and follow the doctor’s recommendations.
Swelling 4 weeks after a tummy tuck is completely normal. It take several months for the lymphatic vessels to start carrying fluid away from the incision line. Also the incision line acts like a shelf holding a lot of post operative swelling in this area. Many patients will lose weight after a tummy tuck which will greatly reduce their swelling. Some patients benefit from doing abdominal liposuction 6 months after their tummy tuck. This will also help to reduce your abdominal girth and improve your body contour.
I find that about 80 percent of the swelling resolves by 6-8 weeks and the last 20% takes about 6 months. I would make sure that you continue tight compression and try conservative measures such as reducing your sodium intake. I would not recommend any revision until 8-12 months postop.
Upper abdominal swelling after tummy tuck can be significant. It is a major surgical procedure. At 4 weeks, you should be seeing some of the swelling subsiding, but the bulk will last up to 2 months, so it is still premature to evaluate your results. Even after 2 months, more minor swelling can last up to 6-12 months. Give it more time and then consult your surgeon if you still have concerns.
It is very common to have abdominal swelling for weeks and up to 8 months after a tummy tuck. Obviously tummy tuck recovery can vary depending on patients activity level after tummy tuck. Be patient during your tummy tuck recovery and follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions.
It is very normal to still have swelling after just 4 weeks. You should expect to have swelling for many more months. If you have concerns about the outlook of your surgery you should speak with your surgeon to get those answered.