Wouldn’t it be nice if you finally had the tummy tuck that you have always been dreaming about – the surgical dressing comes off and … BAM!
There it is: a flat and drum tight tummy that you have waited so long to have. Minimal swelling. Awesome looking belly button. Ready to prance around in a bikini.
Wow!
Guess what?
You’re probably still hallucinating from the Percocet!
What then should you truly expect with regard to the swelling of you abdomen following a tummy tuck and how soon it will resolve?
Usually there will be diffuse swelling for a few weeks following surgery which can fluctuate with activities and then it will gradually subside. While this will occur for the majority of the abdomen, many patients will actually notice the appearance of a firm convex band of swelling encompassing the incision which may become evident around 4 – 8 weeks postoperatively. This can surely be disconcerting. As long as there is no abnormal collection of fluid beneath the skin (seroma) or a hematoma that could somewhat mimic this protrusion, there is nothing to worry about.
By around 4 – 6 months, most of the swelling of your abdomen will have resolved. However, it can take up to a year for it to maximally disappear, at which point you can appreciate the more long term result. Of course, you will want to be active, exercising and eating appropriately in order to maintain your weight (or lose some if you need to).
If you would like more information on a tummy tuck or to schedule a complimentary consultation with me, please call my office at 480-451-3000.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona