Tummy tucks often result in significant swelling and bruising that can take up to two weeks to fade. The skin will tighten and constrict as the edema decreases. Although it takes time for the skin to mend after being wounded, it is not a truly dead tissue and can still regenerate.
The best course of action is to maintain a high level of activity throughout this period. Keeping active can aid in the reduction of edema by facilitating the circulation of fluids throughout the body. Long durations of sitting or lying down during this time should be avoided because they reduce circulation and exacerbate swelling.
Read on to learn more about How Long For Swelling To Go Down After Tummy Tuck, What Is More Painful Bbl Or Tummy Tuck and How Many Inches Of Swelling After Tummy Tuck
How Long For Swelling To Go Down After Tummy Tuck
Although swelling after tummy tuck surgery is completely normal and will go down on its own in time, it’s understandably that many people want to know if there is anything you can do to help reduce the swelling during recovery.
Our guide helps explain all you need to know about why swelling occurs, how long it is likely to last and what you can do to help ease it.
What are the stages of swelling after a tummy tuck?
During tummy tuck surgery, the blood and lymphatic vessels that help drain fluids are cut, making it temporarily difficult for the body to remove build-ups of fluid. This, along with inflammation from the incision site, leads to swelling.
In the first few days after surgery, you will experience some discomfort, and swelling will be at its peak. You will be prescribed medication to help manage the pain; however, as pain medication can sometimes cause constipation, this may also prolong the period of swelling and bloating.
In the first few weeks following surgery, you may find that swelling can fluctuate throughout the day, increasing when you stand for long periods and decreasing after a full night’s sleep. You may also find that as scar tissue begins to form, swelling temporarily increases again, but this will decrease as the scar tissue matures.
By six to twelve months, the swelling will have significantly improved, although it can take up to eighteen months in some cases for swelling to resolve fully.
How long does swelling last after a tummy tuck?
The length of time that tummy tuck swelling lasts will depend on a range of factors. For example, recovery may be reduced for those who undergo a mini-abdominoplasty compared to those who undergo the standard procedure. Furthermore, if you have had liposuction at the same time as the tummy tuck, the inflammation from this procedure may prolong the swelling. Additionally, how long you take pain medication may also impact how long you feel swollen, as pain medication can often slow down the gastrointestinal tract, causing temporary constipation and bloating.
In most cases, swelling will significantly improve within two months. However, minor swelling may be present for up to twelve to eighteen months for some people.
How to reduce swelling after a tummy tuck
Although swelling after a tummy tuck is completely normal and will resolve itself in due course, there are some things you can do to help during recovery:
- For the first two weeks after surgery, ensure you have plenty of rest and elevate your lower legs as often as possible.
- Keep the wound site clean to reduce your risk of infection and inflammation.
- Wear your compression garment as instructed by your surgeon. The compression garment applies constant even pressure to your tummy to help fight inflammation, reduce water retention and achieve better abdominal contouring.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out your system and reduce the risk of water retention.
- Eat a light, low sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and help the damaged skin, tissue, and muscles heal quickly.
- Undertake gentle movement. Very light walking in the first few weeks can help to reduce swelling, boost circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Avoid strenuous exercise, including lifting weights, for at least six to twelve weeks to allow your body time to fully heal. After that, your doctor will advise you on a safe exercise plan.
FAQ for how to reduce swelling after tummy tuck
Does walking reduce swelling after abdominoplasty?
Yes, undertaking very light walking in the first few weeks can help to reduce swelling and improve circulation. However, it is recommended you speak with your doctor about how much walking they feel is safe for you to do.
Does lymphatic massage reduce swelling?
Gentle lymphatic massage can help to reduce swelling and increase circulation. However, lymphatic massage should only be considered if your doctor feels it is safe and only after you have been permitted to remove your compression garment.
What happens if you don’t wear a compression garment after a tummy tuck?
Compression garments are vital to your tummy tuck recovery. They help reduce bruising, swelling and inflammation, reduce pain and risk of infection, and help maintain the abdominal muscle structure while healing occurs. The compression garment also helps connect the skin to the muscle tissues to reduce skin sagging. Most doctors recommend you wear the compression garment for at least six weeks.
What Is More Painful Bbl Or Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck is more painful than the BBL procedure. Tummy tucks are done under general anesthesia and can take up to 4 hours. The average recovery time is about 2 weeks, but it varies depending on your body type and healing ability.
The BBL procedure can be done under local anesthesia with sedation or with general anesthesia. Recovery time is typically 1-2 weeks, but again it depends on your body type and healing ability.
The pain is different for everyone. The BBL procedure takes about 4 hours and you will be in the recovery room for about an hour after that.
The tummy tuck takes about 3 hours but the recovery time is longer. It depends on what type of anesthesia you have and how much pain medication they give you. I would recommend taking pain medication as prescribed by your doctor and if it doesn’t work then ask for something stronger.
I have had both surgeries and I can tell you that the BBL was much more painful than my tummy tuck. Both surgeries are painful but one healed faster than the other
The BBL is more painful than the tummy tuck. The tummy tuck is not a very involved surgery and while it can be uncomfortable, it is not as painful as the BBL. The BBL takes longer to recover from and is more involved than the TT. You will also have to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks after your surgery.
The tummy tuck involves removing extra skin from around your waistline and tightening the abdominal muscles that have stretched over time with weight gain. The belly button can be repositioned or re-created if necessary, and excess fat can be removed from the lower abdomen (love handles).
The Brazilian butt lift is designed to increase volume in buttocks by adding fat grafts that are harvested from other areas of your body (the lower back, thighs or tummy) and redistributing them into the buttocks area.
Tummy tuck surgery removes excess fat and skin from around your middle section and tightens weakened or separated muscles underneath the skin
I have had both, and both are painful.
The tummy tuck is more invasive and requires general anesthesia. The BBL takes about 3 hours and you can be home recovering the next day.
Both procedures require time to recover after the surgery. I was out of work for 6 weeks with the BBL but was back in my regular workout routine at 4 weeks with the tummy tuck.
I’ve had a tummy tuck, but I don’t know about the BBL. However, I can tell you that my tummy tuck was not painful at all. I took one Percocet the first day and no pain meds after that. The doctor gave me a prescription for Vicodin, but I didn’t need it.
The only thing that hurt was getting my drains removed (which is kind of expected) and sitting up straight after surgery (which you have to do).
I would say getting your drains removed is worse than the actual surgery.
Have an awesome day!
How Many Inches Of Swelling After Tummy Tuck
It is normal to have swelling for a few weeks after tummy tuck surgery. Swelling is also common after breast augmentation surgery as well.
Swelling may stay for up to 4 months. The amount of swelling varies from patient to patient.
The amount of swelling you will have after your tummy tuck depends on the amount of fat removed and how much skin is used in the procedure.
The more skin removed, the greater the chance of having some residual swelling.
If you are concerned about residual swelling after your tummy tuck, talk with your doctor about your options. It may be possible to use an additional layer of skin or fat grafts to help reduce postoperative swelling and improve overall appearance if needed
The amount of postoperative swelling varies from patient to patient. In the first few days after surgery, the swelling begins to subside and the firmness of your skin gradually increases.
Most people experience swelling that peaks at about 4-5 days after surgery and then begins to subside. Swelling is normal after any surgery as a result of trauma and/or surgical manipulation of tissues.
The amount of swelling you have will vary depending on many factors including:
1) The extent of your surgical procedure (i.e., liposuction vs full tummy tuck)
2) The type of anesthesia used (general vs local)
3) Your age and overall health status
4) The number of hours spent in surgery
5) Your level of activity following surgery
How long does it take for swelling to go down after tummy tuck?
The amount of swelling varies by patient. Some people experience very little swelling while others experience more. In general, the best way to judge the amount of swelling is by looking at your body in the mirror from all angles or standing side by side with a friend or family member who has had a tummy tuck.
It is common for there to be swelling in the lower abdomen and upper thighs for several weeks after surgery.
In most cases, swelling will begin to improve within 2-3 weeks but can continue for up to 6 months or longer depending on how much fluid your body retains and how well you follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions regarding exercise and activity level.
The swelling after a tummy tuck is variable and will depend on the amount of fat removed, your general health and age, and how well your body heals. In my experience, most patients look great at one month postop but still have some swelling around their waistline. At three months postop, most patients look like they never had surgery.
I would encourage you to wait at least four weeks before deciding if you are happy with your results. After that time frame, if you are still unhappy with your results, you may discuss revisionary surgery with your surgeon.
I think it is important to get a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon before you make your decision. I would suggest that you bring in photos of what you are looking for. In my practice, I have found that patients who come in with good realistic expectations tend to be happier with their results.
The degree of swelling after surgery depends on the size of the incision and how much fat was removed. In my practice, I use drains to minimize swelling and I recommend them for all my patients. The drain is removed after 48 hours. You should expect some degree of swelling for up to 3 weeks after surgery but it will gradually subside over time.
I hope this helps and good luck!