swelling week by week tummy tuck recovery

#Swelling week by week tummy tuck recovery skin#

Once you start exercising, you may also notice increased swelling following workouts. For instance, long hours standing up can increase swelling in the abdomen, but this usually goes down after a good night of sleep. This is because gravity is not your friend. Swelling Can Fluctuate throughout the DayĪfter your initial swelling goes down, minor swelling continues and can be affected by your daily activity. Alternatively, adding liposuction to a tummy tuck can produce swelling in other areas of the body as well. A mini tummy tuck or a drainless tummy tuck typically results in less recovery time and swelling than a traditional tummy tuck. The amount of swelling experienced after your tummy tuck surgery can also vary depending on the treatment plan you choose. This healing process can take up to a year or longer to complete, so it is common to see minor swelling in that time. As the body repairs blood and lymphatic vessels, the swelling should continue to resolve. Swelling is typically at its worst for the first 2 months following a tummy tuck, though everyone is a little bit different. Because of this, the body removes fluid in the area a lot slower, resulting in fluid buildup known as edema or swelling. During a tummy tuck, these vessels are cut.

In this area of the body, the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels work as a drainage system for fluids. Swelling in the abdominal area is perfectly normal and expected after a tummy tuck. Understanding why swelling occurs may help you to better prepare mentally and have more realistic expectations for your recovery and results. How long swelling lasts after a tummy tuck depends on many different factors. By now, you are considered fully healed and you can simply enjoy your slimmer new shape without thinking about your surgery.Swelling after a tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is quite typical for a surgery this extensive. This means that the redness will have subsided substantially, although many patients report that their scars continue to fade for the next couple of years. 1 YearĪfter the first year following your tummy tuck surgery, your scar should have matured. You should be able to do most of your normal exercises, but you may still have difficulty taking part in particularly strenuous activities. 6 Monthsīy the time you hit the six-month mark, your swelling should have more or less subsided completely. You may also find that you gain a bit of temporary water weight as your body repairs itself. Be sure to check with an experienced tummy tuck surgeon about your limitations for physical activity. If you’ve been using post-surgical drains, they will be removed, and you can begin some light exercise. Weeks 2-6ĭuring this time, your swelling should subside significantly. You can take part in some light walking during this time, but avoid any activity that requires too much energy. Be sure to wear your compression garment and limit your salt intake to minimize fluid buildup as much as possible. The first two weeks following your tummy surgery, you can expect to experience significant swelling. With the right planning, you can help make your tummy tuck recovery comfortable and relaxing, as long as you maintain a reasonable timeline for the healing process. Yet, while men and women alike eagerly anticipate their tummy tuck results, they may view the recovery period as less enjoyable.

#Swelling week by week tummy tuck recovery skin#

Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, eliminates excess skin and tissue around the abdomen for a slimmer, sleeker midsection.