A tummy tuck is after all a surgical procedure and you are bound to experience a level of swelling during the recovery period. Sometimes, if this swelling is not dealt with in the right manner, it can persist for a long time after the surgery. In order to help reduce swelling after a tummy tuck, there are certain things that you have to do.
For one, make it a point to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Each glass should be at least 8 ounces. It is wrong of you to think that drinking water will lead to a bloated stomach. On the contrary, it is painkillers that cause constipation and this is turn can lead to tightness of the muscles. Water will help ease your bowel movements and reduce swelling after tummy tuck.
Revamp your diet and make sure that you consume a lesser amount of salt. The sodium in salt leads to water retention and thereby a sense of being bloated. Steer clear from junk food and fast food especially all that is processed and packaged. Stick to a fresh food diet.
Stay away from coffee. Caffeine leads to water retention and this is not good for the swelling after a tummy tuck. Just like pregnant mothers make use of massage therapists to ease the aches and pains post delivery, so to you can make use of some massage therapy. You will however, have to consult with your doctor. If you do go in for such massage therapies, be sure not to lie down on your stomach and ask the therapist to stay away from the abdominal area and the stitches. The massage will aid in getting your blood flowing and this is good as it will prevent water retention or blood clots and thereby reduce swelling after tummy tuck.
i Have Fat Necrosis! Need help. Still swelling!!! I am 7 weeks post TT with lipo of flanks, back, inner/medial thighs to knees. At first had great recovery, lost 15 lbs. As all of you, I am still swollen in lower abdomen. I look 3-6 moths prego. I am still wearing the garment; love the new Rainey. Went online and bought 2 more stage 2. They feel like spanks and are very comfortable to wear.
New problem: Have developed FAT NECROSIS in middle of incision, above the pubic area. Help?… My PS says all fine will take longer to heal. Scared!!!! What started as 4 cm tear is now the size of half dollar and 1 inch deep. I NOW have a HOLE!!!! Seriously!!! Looks like I am getting another hole too.
Packing it gauze and Dakons solution 2-3 times a day. Help!!!! No infections. WBC normal. Don’t know what to do. Saw my primary and he said to wait 2-3 weeks to see and progression in healing. What should I do?
I would love to hear from somebody that has had this problem. I am not a smoker or a diabetic. I am a healthy 43 year old. What can I eat or do to help the heal?? Should I stop wearing the garment?…
I had necrosis at incision also. 43 non smoker.
Took 4 months to heal. Looks awful, waiting for scar revision. Still have awful swelling. Surgeon keeps promising I’ll be happy with final result. I hope so.
I am in the same boat. Looks terrible, I feel like piercing pinches all over the incision and also where the lipo was done.
My doctor says he doesn’t know why I’m swelling so much after 10 weeks. Seriously considering an MRI/ Already on my 8th day and no difference. I hate feeling like a bag of pins and needles and not being able to have anything touch my waste hips thighs and legs. Im 45 and would never recommend this to anyone.
Hi its Donna again. Almost 10 weeks and now doctor put me on 21 days of prednisone for swelling. Before this I had a waist line around 29 and now Im 32″ all the time. It hurts. Pinching sensation everytime something touches my skin. No pressure can be placed on area and I cant walk straight although Im straighter than the first couple weeks. Everything feels like its pulling and the sides even look like they are being pulled down across my sides to my incision. I have never been down and out like this in my life. I will let you guys know when the swelling can be expected to go down as he said that this is very rare all this swelling. To all you guys who have just had this surgery and looking for answers I so feel for you guys.. Keep praying that pain does go away eventually and I knows its unbearable and chronic but give yourself a love hug and know that your not alone on this journey.
I also have swelling- when I wake up in the morning it tends to be flatter- but as I move around during the day- it starts swelling again. Most folks said they continued to wear the garment- my doc said I dont need it anymore after 6 weeks- so I wear a waist cincher and panty girdle under my close.
the swelling is getting a little better- but still there- I was asked to wait 4 weeks to see how it evolves before any further decisions will be made. Very sad…. and scared too. I certainly cant go thru this again.
I just ordered Arnica Montana 30X tablets and very much looking for some relief from the swelling and the burning tightness around my incision. Thanks to whoever listed that. I couldnt find it in tea form in Ottawa. I have also purchased Aloe Vera Gel with not fillers and no alcohol and boy at the end of the day it feels great. The purching look on the side of my tummy tuck is starting to flatten. Im also on my 3rd week of prednisone tablets for swelling and I do believe it helps a bit but wish I could feel better faster. There are family doctors out there that’d be glad to see if they can help. Thank God!!
I am 8 1/2 weeks out from my abdominoplasty & breast lift. The lift went fine, the abdominoplasty well not so much, I think I have the necrosis above my pubic area, I am going to ask my dr. on Tuesday. I have drainage still from my belly button, and still seeing my dr. once a week. I am still very swollen, and in pain. I have a 21 pound baby that I can hardly pick up and have been taking lots of ibuprofen. I paid ALOT of money for this and my surgeon is not a quack but I am worried. I had a large hematoma after the operation too. Any support would be great.
Just wanted to update everyone. It’s been a month and I can finally say that it does get better. I am finally healing just as my PS said. Nutrition is important.
Also, I tried massage to get blood flow going. I have a massage therapist who works with injuries and scars. Start slow and work on the lymphatic system.
So my “hole” is finally filling in and hopefully in 2-3 weeks will be closed.
However I am still swelling off and on. I Wear my garment when it gets out of hand then I slim down after a day or so. Been trying to watch salt. I keep thinking its food related.
But overall, glad I did this surgery. I get soooooo many compliments about how I look in my normal cloths. I keep telling myself it will get better!!!!!
Had my TT 7 weeks back in Costa Rica. Am swollen like you all and my muscles are really hard as a rock,especially around the middle closer to the incision line. Have odd bulges too. I never got any advice from my PS besides get massage from his staff nurse.I was never told to apply ice pack or take Arnica Tea etc. Now my problem is I cannot find a doctor who can see me and drain the fluid if needed. Does anybody know what I can do ?
Hi Becca,
Im in the same boat as you after 4 months I have this pocket around my waste of fat and fluid though. My doctor said he has to go in and perform lipo on it. Im scared out of my mind. Its been a long healing process for me and dont want to go through anymore pain. My muscles are still hard like yours and bumpy too almost like the muscles are scarred or something. I think another plastic surgeon is who you should speak to. If my doctor doesnt make me feel comfortable about fixing this mess, I too will have to make another visit to someone new except this time Im gonna be very hesitant before signing anything. The tea did nothing for me, not even steroids.
Wow…reading your comments, I must have had either a great surgeon, or it just went smoothly. I had a few twinges when I tried to get out of my chair. I thought they were at the drain sites, but when the took off my compression garment I realized they were just blisters from the corset rubbing me! Only actual pain I had was my back because I had to walk hunched for a week. After that one week check up, he pretty much said to ease back into daily life! I love him and I love the job he did. However, the only question I have, that I forgot to ask, is that under my incision, my pubic area seems abnormally, large? I’m thinking it’s just swelling and will go away b/c it doesn’t feel hard. Has anyone experienced this? And did it go away? Many thanks!
I too have some swelling around pubic area and notice some swelling around scar of an evening. i am week 4. i do love my result though and in many ways it is life changing. I am scared by what others have written and now hope my swelling doesn’t get worse.
I was told that the swelling in the pubic area is nomal – as you are compressing the abdomin the fluid has to disperse elsewhere. It too will go away. I am the same as Susan – great surgeon, great recovery. I did get “in trouble” for doing too much (over the holiday break – i am 3 weeks post-op) They removed my first drain after week one and only now removed the second (the more active you are the more fluid you build) so the key is to rest, drink plenty of fluid, and eat a well-balanced diet. I am seeing an increase in swelling since they removed the drain (yesterday) but I expected as much. I am extremely glad I had the surgery as I have been waiting 8 years to do it. Good luck to all and to all a flat tummy!!!!
Really scared, had tummy tuck and lipo on November 14, 71/2 weeks ago. Originally all went well but the last two weeks I noticed swelling in my abodmen above my belly button. It went from 35″ to 38″ in about 2 weeks. I saw the dr today and he did not look good. He felt where the muscles were sewn and they seemed ok, no fluid. He told me to wear the girldle again and cut it so it just covers the swollen area and see him in a month. Dont know what to do. He is a good doctor and was never sued. I am so terrified don’t know what to do. Maybe I’ll go to another surgeon to get a second opinion if the swelling remains. My doctor said he can’t go back in to see because the stitches are still healing. My area below my belly button is great. Help
I had abdominoplasty with no lipo and no muscle repair done on August 1, 2011. I have not had a great day since my surgery. My stay at the hospital was long because my blood pressure dropped too low. My other bad experience was my drain removal. The first drain was removed one week after my surgery. The second drain was removed 2 weeks after my surgery but he wanted to leave it because there was so much fluid still inside. He had to remove it though because it had clogged and was no longer functioning properly. When the nurse and doctor removed the drain “ALL” of the backup fluid came flowing out all over my clothes. What a mess! Now, here I am 5 months post op and my stomach still swells daily. I don’t really want to go see my PS again because I wasn’t not completely satisfied with the outcome but I need to find out if there is something going on inside that needs to be taken care of. I don’t want to go through any more pain but this swelling is so awful it has made daily life miserable. Just as someone else posted, if I workout or do any type of exercise it just swells more which seemingly defeats the purpose. I think I may have to bit the bullet and shell out more money to another PS for a second opinion of what is going on with this swelling. The outcome of the actual surgery (looks) is pretty good with the exception of an off centered belly button. I just can’t get beyond the swelling. Any comments, suggestions are greatly appreciated.
I had my TT on 7/27/11 and the post before me nailed it. I have not been happy since. It’s the damn swelling! I hate it. So now I have a flat Tummy with 20lbs of lord knows what! Nothing is firting properly. My belly button looks great, it’s the swelling. It’s depressing. Thus, after all this time I am still reading.
I had my TT 7/15/2011. I still have swelling it is very depressing my doc says its normal and it will go away. I’m not very convinced but time will tell. Im still under his care. I see that I am not the only one going through these awful TT issues. I thought I was the only one. I hate to eat or exercise due to swelling cause it it is very uncomfortable. I have not had another opinion as of yet but it looks like I am headed that way. I’m SCARED. Help
I am 5 weeks post op and swollen. It is comforting to know that it is common I guess. Was just looking to see about how long I can expect it to last. Your posts are helpful.
I had my TT on 12/28/11. The one thing that concerns me is the swelling.. The first week was painful, that I must admitt, but as the second week came about, I started doing my normal activities, to a limit, had both drains removed on 2nd week, but now I feel as if my lower area is swelling, and Im feeling pain around my new belly button, should I be concerned??? Other than that, Im ok…. what can I do about the swelling, is this normal???There are times that i take off my compression garmet to let my belly breath, it just feels very uncomfortable, but maybe for an hour or two at most…Any Ideas will be taken to heart.. Good luck to all..
Hello every1 i have my tt on dec 9, 2011. About 6 weeks later and still having swelling. I cant fit into anything
. How long should i expect this?
Same boat! Ugh! Had my
Tummy tuck with no muscle repair on 1/10/2012 and I am so swollen I feel like I am going to explode! Even worse my public area is swollen!!! I am doing everything they told me
To do and i am really freaking out. Does anyone know what fruits reduce swelling??
Hello Ladies, My name is Mayelin and I had my TT & Brest lift done on 1/11/12. I didn’t do Brest augmentation because I already had implants done 2 years ago but I had a baby 7 months ago and they stretched very badly. The 1st week was the hardest so far. The Brest lift is beautiful I love my Brest and I wish I could say the same about my tummy….. It’s very swollen. I used to have an hour glass shape but that has vanished. Idk what to do… I drink at least 6 sports bottles of water everyday. Uggggghhhhh….. To add insult to injury, I cannot hold my baby witch just makes everything so much harder. My doctor says its just a matter of time and right about now, time is all I have. Let’s see what happens!!!!
Wish u all the best. Hope we all end up with sexy abs and chunky tits!!!!
I had tt on 12/8/11 and breast reduction. Breast went fine and swelling in abdomen was going down, but last few days very swollen looks like I swallowed a barrel. I know people say you can swell up to 1year later but ready to see some results from all the money spent and pain went through. Is there anyone out there who is 6 months to 1 year post op to give some insite.
HI
This message is for Donna or anyone who experienced this.
Its been 9 weeks (2 months) I had circumferential tummy tuck with liposuction of the upper abdomen, flanks, hip area.
There was a lot of swelling , i reduce swelling i would say by 40-50% in 1 month. Then it went up a bit more 2 weeks ago instead of further going down
Salt is normal to bit high in my diet, I started jogging again. I am frustrated. Flanks and back is still swollen, tummy area is weird, upper tummy is swollen then middle is less swollen and then lower tummy where incision is swollen
I got all these tight shirts but putting them on i still see roundness spare tire around abdomen. In terms of inches, my pre-surgery and post surgery measurement in waist, navel area and hips are the same, I was expecting 2-4 inch drop. The only difference is no protruding loose skin.
The doctor said after surgery most of my chest and abdomen were alligned (same measurement) and then it swelled.
Is this the final result? I hope not.
Did I tear muscle repair as the upper stomach has bulge, or is swelling uneven?
What should i expect and how long
I am a weight loss patient, please share your experiences and encourage me
Should i take steroids at this point or swelling?
Thanks
Sorry that most of you are having some discomfort and poor after care. I had my procedures on the 24th Jan in South Africa by an excellent PS (I think the best known in the country) It cost a small fortune but the recovery is great, all inclusive aftercare for the next 4 months. I am still very tender in the breasts and abdominal area but no drains needed, can go to toilet and do light house chores too. It’s so good to have a knowledgeable and understanding PS who cares about your recovery. I wish you all goodluck and healthy recovery. If anyone is interested in the doctors details, I can provide the details, he also has a well known practice in London.
Its almost 5 months since abdomniplasty and liposuction. measured myself today and i went down one inch around stomache top of belly botton, 1 inch at the incision site and 1 inch on my waste. I am still 2″ thicker around my belly than when I started this whole mess. My stomache swells after 5pm to the point it feels as hard as a rock. I have tried
steriods, meds for ulcers (NOT) i have done the Arnica tea,have only noticed a difference in the past three days with this product called DIDA. Try it, i think that is the reason I am finally deflating. Be strong and love yourselves guys I know this feeling sucks. DIDa at loblaws in Ottawa and walmart
TAY TAY Pineapple is a natural anti-inflammatoey.
Ladies the DIDA has helped alot with the upper abdomen swelling. Really !!
Hi everyone,
I am 3 weeks into my TT still very numb and swollen, my upper stomach is very swollen my scar is healing ok from the outside I went to my doctor yesterday and he says I do not have any fluid build up. My skin on my upper abdomen is so sensitive I can t even touch it, also how is the belly button suppose to heal? does anyone have oozing? I mean I cover it when I take a shower. How long after the belly button cleans up? does anyone have this problem? there is no odor but just that wet feeling.
Hey ladies…It’s funny that before I had my surgery I heard nothing but great comments about TT. Now that I have had the surgery…I find ya’lls post…I am only 3 days post op so I can’t tell you much..I am scarred about my belly button..looks gross and I don’t know if I’m getting an infection or not…I can only hope for the best and I guess I will have a ton of questions at my next doctors visit..Thanks for your comments..I needed to hear this from real girls that are going through the same thing I am. SWOLLEN!!!
I had my tt 6 years ago and I am still swollen. I just read a few of the comment. I just finding out that i am not along. but some of you had just discribe what I am going thru. I will try the dida that never had heard of it. but i will try it
Hi everyone,
I had TT and Breast lift on Jan.31, 2012. Everything is healing well. Felt no pain in my breasts but the first few days were tough because of the abdomen pain.
My abdomen looks good as do my breasts. The navel looks amazing….haven’t noticed any swelling but the upper tummy still feels sore…..wonder if that is normal. Had a doc checkup about 2 wks back…he asked me to come back after 3 months. Have already started light workouts….just walking and light weights. I am frustrated because I am dying to get back to running and kickboxing!!
Hi I had my TT & Lip 7. doing find. The only problem that I have is some pain in upper mid stomach. I just got my stomach righ on last Friday. I am not happy with my hips. If I can loose some inches off my hip i would be in a size 12. good luck i have ad the same problems as all has
I had TT w/ lipo of flanks, lower back w/ fat injection to buttocks on 2/24/12; Surgery went great; My doctor did a good job; I got my tubes out after 1 week; (Hated the tubes)!!! Its been 11 days and believe it or not, I have not had to take any pain medication; The thing that hurt the most was the fat transfer to the buttocks…SORE, SORE.. but TT not an issue; Butt feels a lot better now ; My stomach is a little swollen on one side; My scar is healing good; My belly button is still a little yucky deep inside, but doesn’t hurt or anything; I have a doctors appt tomorrow, so I will see what he says about that; I too have the swollen private part, but was told that would go away; Not really bothered by it; Also, don’t know what pain meds you guys are taking, but most cause depression, which is what some of you may be feeling;
Hi I had my tt OCT 2011 got a blood clot in my lung have to take medicine. still have a lot of swelling in upper and lower stomach have tried the preparation h and Saran wrap is it to soon. Too much money for bad results. I’m I pushing matters.help…
I had a TT on 1-10-12 with lipo and also Breast Augmentation with Breast lift. The first 3 days I wanted to just die…but after the first week, I loved my tummy tuck, but hated my implants.
I am now 2 months post and love my implants, but hate my tummy tuck. I looked better 1 day after surgery than now:( I’m bigger than I was before I had the excess skin taken off. I swell up whenever I eat something or excersise. I’m frustrated everyday and wish I never did this. I have this spare tire around my belly and to have spent the money I did to remove the old one and get a bigger one…very very frustrating!!!
Does it get better??? Help
Thank you everyone! I had my TT Dec 15, so I’m now 3 months post op. Still have some swelling right down the front. Pubic area finally normal again, so I guess my belly will be too. Still wear the binder at night, so I think I’ll do this another 3 months. Try to eat right and exercise, I’m 53, and so far I’m happy with the results.
Had my tummy tuck and lipo to flanks on February 1, 2012. Loving the results. I actually found my breasts after the surgery (they had sank into my fat belly) and I have lost close to 7 pounds since the surgery. I really don’t want to lose anymore weight but doc says I’ll just get smaller and smaller. Anyway, I also experience occasional swelling in my abdomen which my PS says will continue to happen over the course of 3 to 4 months, particularly given that I am very active woman. The swelling episodes can definitely be discouraging – even a bit scary. I am trying to figure out if the swelling occurs from walking a lot or from drinking champaign. I am convinced I swell up more when I drink a few glasses of champaign. Has anyone experienced a correlation between alcohol consumption and swelling?
Hi everyone,
I am five days out of a tt, breast reduction and lift, brachioplasty and lipo of the hips.
Honestly I was so narced up on day one that I dont remember a whole lot. I think things are going well- currently am walking without a walker, had a bowel movement without too much pain, and I am very impressed by my boobs bc they look small and perky. The main thing is the slight pain at the stitches when I reach for something. My tummy was tight the first few days but I am upright now with only an occasional pang of pain here and there. I have been trying to be up as much as possible but sometimes I just get plain old tired that resting in bed is the only thing I can do. Also postop I developed blisters on my hips which were way more painful than the incision site but once they popped and I put some tegaderm on them the pain improved.
Just in general these are certain things that were done to help with my recovery (which was not painless but has gone relatively smooth so far):
1) When I was in the OR, my surgeon put in a lot of local anesthetic into the muscle which made a huge initial difference for the first day of pain.
My surgeon recommended to remove the tension bandages on postop day 1 but I keep them on to help with the swelling.
2) A nurse met me at the outpatient surgicenter drove me home and stayed up all night- giving me something to drink, my pills, and helping me use the bathroom.
3) One big difference too- my surgeon does not use drains and I think the results look great. I haven’t done measurements yet bc I think I am still swollen but at this point in time all the extra skin is gone. I also love the incision- very precise, in a great location. Also he used dissovable suture for the inner fascia part but did not use it fior the outer skin- he said he uses a glue like substance (not steristrips) but the scar is nice and thin! That was important to me bc I have olive skin and a tendency to develop keloids
4) Other thing is he gave me a scopolamine patch to put on the day of my surgery which I removed on postop day 3- supposed to help with the nausea that may be associated with anesthesia. I have never had postop nausea so I was reluctant to use it but in the end I followed my surgeons advice.
5) My surgeon gave me percocet for the pain which I took immediately as I got home and with a stool softener.
6) Another different thing he gave me was a muscle relaxant diazepam which I think really helped so I alternated between the percocet and valium for the first 4 days and then after that I have been just on percocet with a valium at night so I get a good nights rest
7) Right now I am trying to wean off of the percocet- would like to get to every 6 hours instead of every 4 hours- with a valium at night. In 2 or 3 days I would like to be on tylenol only- but we will see. I cant take motrin until 2 weeks postop and I am counting the days! When I had a vaginal delivery motrin was way more effective than a narcotic.
9) I go back to work in 3 days so I have ordered one of those upper body suits that will put tension on my upper arms, breasts and abdomen and plan on wearing that for 4-6 weeks as my undergarment.
10) Future plans: resume exercise regimen at 4 to 6 weeks, and will be getting a weekly massage right about that time as well.
11) I have also been drinking LOTS of water- 8 glasses a day
and have been religious about taking this supplement called “A/G-PRO” by Miller Pharmaceuticals (you can order online). Before the surgery I noticed that this stuff did amazing things for my hair and nails and thought it couldn’t hurt with the healing process and may help with scar results. Granted this is my own thing. My doctor didn’t recommend it.
12) Last thing for scars I will be using a variety of silicon pads and creams that I purchased from makemeheal.com – my skin type has a tendency to form keloids so I don’t want to fiddle with the scar as it is healing. I have noticed in the past the the scars look the worst 6 months post surgery but then fade beyond that.
For everyone who is recovering, remember you may not see measurement differences until all the swelling subsides which may be up to 6 months. What you should see immediately is the loss of the extra skin and muffin top.
For those who lost weight postop, was it because you were dieting or bc you think you lost water weight? Good luck everyone!
Hi- I am 8 1/2 weeks post tummy tuck, lipo and muscle repair, I am still swollen. When will this get better? Has anyone found the DIDA mentioned in prior posts? I’d like to try it but cannot seem to find it in any of the drug stores.
I am about 7 weeks post op tt with muscle and lipo of flanks no adomen. Swelling is normal especially in the upper tummy and pubic area. It takes awhile to heal but it takes lifestyle changes. I am a smoker so I do oxygen compression. I should have stopped which i did for awhile but my results are still awesome. The swelling is not a big deal. Pineapple juice and walking will help! My mom had the same procedure and she looks grea. I still wear my compression garment and like i said I am no TT angel. I have done alot of the opposite of what i should and i have the same problems of everyone else so no worries its common.
I am 8 weeks post op on a tummy tuck and breast implants!! My breasts are fantastic..at first they were huge, very swollen and I sorta miss them now that they are normal size. But the tummy tuck!! OMG! I have to tell myself eveyday I did not waste my money!! I was only supposed to be out of work for 2 weeks and was out for 6!!! Due to drainage and needing to keep a drain in!! The day after surgery my abdomen was flat and gorgeous! I was soo happy!! Now it is swollen and basically embaressing! Nothing I do will bring the swelling down. I want to workout and run and when i do it swells up almost 4 more inches!! I look pregnant! I feel fat! I am hoping this gets better!! Thanks for all your comments it gives me hope!!
have just been to see surgeon who performed my tt 4 wks ago today.concerned as lower abdomin swollen and very very tight.as the day goes on the swelling gets worse and i end up looking like im 6 months pregnant.surgeon today said i had fluid but when he inserted extremely long needle into tummy no fluid came out,so now he says i just have swelling and need to massage tummy to help get rid of swelling and tightness.since tt have had to buy larger clothes(not what i was expecting as i was looking to go down not up in size!!!)embarrased feel and look fatter than what i did before surgery and i spent a lot of money on this in the hopes of looking better not worse.back to see surgeon in 3 months when he assures me i will be pleased with result as swelling and tightness will be gone by then.i sure hope so.at this moment in time i wish i had never had it done,but in 3 months maybe i will feel differently.
I had a tummy tuck and breast lift with implants Jan 9, 2012. The breast lift with implants were nothing compared to the tummy tuck. My stomach seems more swollen now than before. I’ve addressed this issue to my dr, and she keeps telling me that its is normal and swelling can last up to six months. She gave me a mini paint roller to roll over my stomach to minimize the swelling and break up the scar tissue. Has anyone else been given the mini paint roller, and does it work? HELP…. I’m frustrated!:/
I am just about 3 months post TT and Breast Augmentation. I was very frustrated too with my TT because of the swelling. I was bigger than before the surgery and I was too very upset and thought I wasted my money. But….now it’s FINALLY starting to get better. I swell really bad when i eat salty foods and when i work out. I haven’t done any abdominal/core excercises and hope that I get clearance from my PS on April 13th for my 3 mo post op appt. I just have to say…I feel for everyone on here and know what you are going through..it’s frustrating and nerve recking to think you spent all this money to look better, but it does get better. I still am not completely happy with my TT and was told that it will take a full complete year to get the ultimate results from my TT and Breast Augmentation…i only have 9 more months to go…LOL
I had my TT 2/9/2012, I am 51 years old. I am still swelling as the day progresses it is very uncomfortable. I still feel pinching and pulling. My stomach is as hard as a rock. You would think tht would be a great thing butit is not, very uncomfortable. I am very happy with the results, my stomach is very flat. I wish there was some relief for the swelling! I wear a spanx top to work and bring a waist band if I need to put it on. If anyone has any magic cure the swelling that would awesome! After reading this board I am comforted by seeing my people in the same boat.
I had my TT on 26 October 11 and have swelling right under my breast I went to the doctor a few times about it and he keeps saying it will go away that its only fluid build up but its april now and that swelling is still there is anyone else experiencing this? if so please help because it really looks horrible.
I had my TT on 1-23-12 and also have swelling. I just went for my appointment yesterday and I hear the same shit. It will take up to 6 months to a WHOLE YEAR to see results. I’m fucking pist and frustrated. I can’t wear anything cuz nothing fits. We throw away all that money to not get results? Are they kidding me? I go back to work next month and I’m embarrassed. I’m very depressed. I workout almost everyday n I lost 6lbs, but I’m 4 inches bigger around my stomach. This is very depressing. I wish I never had it done. I look n feel horrible. If anyone out there is reading this and is thinking about getting a TT, don’t even think about it. RUUUUUN!!!!!! And don’t waist your money. I wish everyone the best. I truly want to say that everything will be better, but I just do see it. Take care everyone.
Ladies I had my first tummy tuck last year April 14.2011 I ran into a chair and meeded up my incision, I returned to the clinic where I had it done. I was given something to help it heal and was told to return in 6 months to have it redone. I waited 11 months just went back and had a mini tummy tuck and lipo. I feel GREAT ! I know lot of women that have had it done and all different results. Let’s start off with did you all get water pills 40mg Lasix to get rid of the water weight. Remember while taking the lasix you loose potassium so eat bananas to replenish. Did you all wear your garments. I was told that I must wear the compression garment for no less than 3 months. The longer the better. It is very important to your results to wear your garment 23 and a half hours a day. 30 minutes to bathe and massage. Ladies if you had lipo you need to take your iron and vitamins to make up for what was removed. you just had cosmetic surgery take advantage of your change period. Change your eating habits . My doctor said it is VERY important to drink lots of water afterwards. Eventhough I ran into the chair and messed up I had no swelling. I have had swelling this time and it was because I took of my compression garment. YOU MUST WEAR THE GARMENT. Not Spanx but a COMPRESSION GARMENT. You can find them on ebay.
TT on 3/20. Stopped taking pain meds/muscle relaxants on 3/24. Back to work on 3/25. Jackson Pratt’s out on 3/26. Still some swelling, but seems to be healing well. Very sensitive, but no pain.
@Nancy – I’m sorry to hear that your doctor never informed you about it taking a year for normalcy. I have several friends who had TT as I did and we were all told that it would take 6-12 months. I was also told that depression is normal after any surgery but especially after plastic surgery. Seek help whether from your doctor or therapist or friends.
What I didn’t know about was the amount of swelling. To be quite honest, I LOVE that my stomach has no more rolls! It’s flat in comparison to before and the fact that I’m still swollen & will be for a while, doesn’t bother me as much. This way I won’t have to explain how I went from looking 6 months preggers to no belly in a matter of weeks!! I have lost 20 pounds in 2 months!! I think it’s because I was hospitalized for 10 days due to complications AND because my fat is gone & isn’t there to feed off of more fat!! Hang in there everyone!! Who knows, I may not feel this chipper in a few weeks but for now I’m just happy that my natural “D” cup breasts are larger than my belly after 10 years instead of the other way around!! LOL