The following post from our forum is from a woman who had a full tummy tuck 6 weeks ago and still has swelling in her thighs, hips, butt area and tummy. She is wondering if this swelling is normal 6 weeks after surgery.

Date: 11/01/2011 Submitted by: Twin SkinTummy Tuck Swelling 6 Weeks After Surgery

Tomorrow will be 6 weeks since my full tt.

My concern and frustration is the feeling of swelling in my thighs hips and butt along with some swelling in my tummy. Is this normal? My waist has gone down about 5 inches, but my pants are all tight? any advice?

Thanks for your help and any word of advice would be appreciated.

RESPONSE

Date: 11/01/2011 Submitted by: Tanner

Twin Skin,

When I had my surgery I was told that tummy tuck swelling around the wound or incision area should peak at about 3 days and that most of the swelling (80%) should be gone in 2 – 6 weeks and the remainder should be gone in 3 – 6 months.

I know it took my swelling a long time to completely go away (a couple of months).

To still have some swelling after 6 weeks is not uncommon (from what I understand). Six weeks is not a long time for healing to occur.

In the tummy tuck forum there are comments from six people who had swelling well beyond 6 weeks. If you want to read those you can find them quickly by sorting by the category and looking for “swelling”.

I have copied some tips to reduce swelling from my website (see below).

The only thing you can do is to be patient let your body heal.

Good luck,

Tanner

Tips To Reduce Tummy Tuck Swelling

Reduce tummy tuck swelling by resting and sleeping in a reclining position with your head and legs elevated for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
Reduce tummy tuck swelling by sleeping on your back and not on your side.
Reduce tummy tuck swelling by avoiding salt in your diet.
Reduce tummy tuck swelling by wearing a compression garment.
Reduce tummy tuck swelling by drinking plenty of water and fluids.
Reduce tummy tuck swelling with proper nutrition and plenty of exercise.
Reduce tummy tuck swelling with tissue Massage (per doctor’s instructions).

Follow-up Message
Thanks so much for your help! I will try to be patient and realize my body is doing it’s best to heal!