Swelling After Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is a powerful solution for transforming your midsection when diet and exercise fall short.
Pregnancy and significant weight loss can leave behind stubborn stretch marks and loose skin that defy natural remedies. Post-surgery swelling is common but usually fades within weeks.
However, neglecting post-op care or facing infections might extend this period. Knowing the causes of swelling helps set realistic recovery expectations and eases patient concerns about the healing process.
Why Do Our Body Swell After Tummy Tuck? Is It Normal?
Swelling in the lower abdominal area after an abdominoplasty is an absolutely normal and expected part of the healing process.
Tummy tuck surgery causes changes to the patient’s lymphatic drainage system. In particular, the plastic surgeon pulls tight the abdominal skin and relocates it in a new position, similar to a facelift. As a result, the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the area that used to drain fluid upwards are now divided.
New lymphatic connections will form with time, but fluid cannot be drained through the lymphatic drainage vessels until then. Instead, it flows down with gravity. In addition, scar tissue stops the fluid from migrating. This fluid buildup that makes the tummy area grow larger is known as swelling or edema.
The extent of swelling may also depend on the type of abdominoplasty. A mini tummy tuck usually results in less swelling and recovery time than a traditional abdominoplasty. Moreover, combining a tummy tuck surgery with liposuction in the abdomen or other parts of the body often produces more swelling in the affected areas.
Another thing to keep in mind is that pain medications also play a part in producing swelling in the abdomen. Pain medications may slow down the gastrointestinal tract and cause constipation and bloating. This is only temporary, though, and resolves when the patient no longer needs the medication.
How Long Do You Stay Swollen?
The patient’s abdominal area is visibly swollen over the first few days after abdominoplasty. The area around the scars is usually where swelling persists for longer.
Minor swelling continues to exist in the area for around two months, but its extent depends on the patient’s aftercare routine and daily activities. For example, standing up for long hours will probably cause the abdominal muscles to grow large again. However, a good night’s sleep will help reduce swelling and speed up recovery.
In some cases, minor swelling can persist up to one year after surgery, but most patients have gotten rid of the “bloating” feelings and appearance after 18 months.
Stages of Swelling
Many patients are worried about lower belly swelling after an abdominoplasty. Hence, we created the below list to shed light on this common concern of tummy tuck candidates and patients.
| Time Frame | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Swelling 3 Months after Surgery | Noticeable swelling in the lower belly area should start subsiding three months after abdominoplasty. Yet, mild swelling and puffiness are normal to still be present in the area. |
|
Swelling 6 Months after Surgery |
Many patients experience persistent minor bloating even 6 months after abdominoplasty. A reason for this might be that patients spend long hours standing. However, a “good night’s sleep” will help improve the abdomen’s swollen appearance. |
|
Swelling 8, 9 or 10 Months after Surgery |
Most swelling should have been resolved between 8 and 10 months after the abdominoplasty. Yet, fluid retention due to diet and salt intake might be the reason behind a still swollen belly. Patients who experience a bloated upper or lower abdomen 10 months after tummy tuck surgery should contact their doctor and have him/her re-examine them. |
|
Swelling 1 Year after Surgery |
Post-surgical swelling diminishes gradually over a year to a year and a half after a tummy tuck. However, there is no specific time schedule for each individual’s recovery. If swelling seems unusual to the patient, then it is time to consult with their plastic surgeon. |
|
Swelling 2 Years after Surgery |
A protruding stomach appearance 2 years after an abdominoplasty might be down to visceral fat and loose muscle. In such cases, patients need to lose weight to reduce the bloating that is still present. A visit to the plastic surgeon for further assessment or a second opinion might help. |
Being patient and following your plastic surgeon’s aftercare instructions is the key to effectively resolve swelling and puffiness after a traditional tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck. Patients with a strong immune system, who stick to their doctor’s post-operative care instructions, heal faster and better.
If you had your tummy tuck surgery at the European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS), Dr. Stavrou would always be eager to answer all your questions during and in between your follow-up visits.
Ways To Reduce Swelling
- Wearing a compression garment as directed by the plastic surgeon is one of the most crucial steps of post-operative care that speeds up the recovery process and helps relieve feelings of discomfort.
- The patient should avoid any strenuous exercise and excessive movement after surgery. A good idea would be to go shopping before the surgery to ensure there is plenty of food, water and anything else they might need at home during the first days of healing.
Even though swelling is a natural part of the recovery process, here are 10 doctor-approved tips that can help reduce the severity of swelling after a tummy tuck.
- Avoid overconsumption of salt
- Minimize sodium intake through food
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Refrain from smoking
- Keep the scars and abdomen clean
- Get enough sleep and rest during the day
- Try elevating your lower legs while resting
- Incorporate light walking into your daily routine
- Listen to your body & don’t rush your healing
- Be consistent with your follow-up appointments
When to Seek Medical Attention
While swelling is expected after a tummy tuck, it’s important to be aware of signs that may indicate complications:
- Excessive or prolonged swelling: If your belly area becomes increasingly swollen over time or if the swelling worsens, it may indicate a problem.
- Increasing pain or discomfort: Experiencing excessive pain or discomfort accompanied by swelling could be a sign of infection or other complications.
- Redness and warmth: If you notice redness and warmth around the incision site, it may suggest an infection and should be evaluated promptly.
- Unusual discharge: Any unusual discharge, such as pus-like fluid or blood, from the surgical site requires immediate medical attention.
Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are crucial for monitoring your healing progress and addressing any concerns promptly. If you feel that your swelling isn’t improving as expected, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon for further evaluation
The Bottom Line
The abdominoplasty is a particularly transformative procedure. That means for the final results to be visible, it might take weeks, months, or even longer. Additional plastic surgery, such as stomach liposuction, will further increase the recovery time and swelling.
Patients need to have patience throughout the healing process, trust their plastic surgeon and follow the post-operative care instructions precisely to see the swelling subside and incisions fade the soonest possible.
Book an appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Demetris Stavrou in Nicosia, Limassol (Cyprus), Athens (Greece), or Sliema (Malta) to discuss if a tummy tuck procedure is appropriate for you and how it will help you look and feel more beautiful and confident than ever before!
Dr Stavrou is a board-certified and highly experienced plastic surgeon in Cyprus, Greece and Malta, with a keen interest in informing patients about the latest updates on reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
- University of Athens Medical School
- Residency in Plastic Surgery at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
- Brow Lift
- Chin Augmentation
- Facelift
- Facial Cancer Treatment
- Neck Lift
- Otoplasty
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
