Tummy Tuck: Swelling | Expect | Manage

When undergoing abdominal cosmetic surgery, you generally want to see the results quickly. This is how we can easily feel discouraged as the days go by and the swelling associated with the operation prevents us from appreciating the long-awaited change in appearance.

It's perfectly normal to want to improve yourself and feel good about your image. It's also normal to feel irritated by the side effects inherent in any type of cosmetic surgery procedure. No one wants to have surgery and wait weeks for the bruising and swelling to disappear. Patients want to benefit from the results of their surgery immediately, which is nearly impossible.

The first thing to do to avoid frustration during the post-operative period is to accept that these nuisances are part of the recovery process. Although it’s impossible to eliminate these effects completely, it’s possible to reduce them so they’re less visible and disturbing.

In the case of abdominoplasty, a procedure that aims to remove excess fat and skin from the lower and middle abdomen, it’s normal to have swelling in the stomach and bruising around the scar after surgery. Beyond the removal of fat and skin, the abdominal muscles are tightened, causing inflammation, and the full recovery can take some time. This procedure can also be combined with Botox to reduce minor flaccidity of the area.

These side effects can last between 30 to 60 days, and sometimes up to three months for an abdominoplasty alone. If other procedures are done in conjunction, the recovery period can extend.

There are various factors that contribute to abdominal swelling, such as complications during or after surgery, the patient’s health, age, lifestyle prior to surgery, and whether it’s a full or mini-abdominoplasty. However, patients should not be discouraged by this swelling as there are ways to reduce it more quickly.

Three Tips to Help Reduce Swelling:

1. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations to the letter: Sometimes, patients are eager to see the results of their surgery quickly and might not follow their surgeon’s recommendations strictly, thinking they’re well enough to resume normal activities. This can lead to complications, such as bleeding, poor healing, or opening of stitches. That’s why it’s crucial to adhere to all the post-op instructions for the best recovery.

For abdominoplasty, these instructions include wearing a compression garment or binder for at least a month. This abdominal binder helps control swelling, improves circulation, and supports the treated area, leading to faster and better recovery without complications.

2. Gradually resume movement: Without excessive immobility, it’s important to stay active during recovery. Movement encourages blood circulation, helping to prevent clot formation and promote healing. Surgeons recommend walking at a slow and steady pace a few days after surgery.

Exercise in this context doesn't mean heavy activities, lifting objects, or bending over, which should be avoided to prevent straining the abdominal muscles. After a proper rest period, patients can gradually return to work and normal activities, ensuring they don’t interfere with the recovery process.

3. Use your abdominal binder consistently: Keep using your abdominal binder in all situations, as this will support healing and help reduce swelling more effectively.

By following these tips and maintaining patience, you can recover from abdominoplasty with less swelling and a smoother healing process.