Post Tummy Tuck Swelling
A tummy tuck has been said to have one of the highest satisfaction rate when it comes to plastic surgery. The only difficult part about a tummy tuck is the recovery period. After surgery, patients will experience varying degrees of swelling around the area. Knowing how to deal with the post-operative swelling will help give patients a positive outlook on the tummy tuck procedure.
- Swelling occurs after a tummy tuck for many reasons.
- Handling of the area causes swelling as the body’s inflammatory process reacts to the procedure.
- Liposuction done on the abdomen has been known to cause swelling after surgery.
- The procedure also handles parts of the abdomen where blood vessels are present that can cause swelling.
How Long to Expect Swelling After Tummy Tuck
- Swelling after a tummy tuck procedure will subside over a period of four to six weeks.
- Depending on the type of tummy tuck done and the amount of liposuction done affects the length needed for swelling to significantly reduce.
- A tummy tuck handles a large area hence delaying healing and taking time for swelling to reduce.
How to Reduce Swelling After Tummy Tuck
- Hydration is important so patients are advised to drink plenty of water after surgery.Contrary to belief, this does not exacerbate swelling, it actually helps flush the body of the excess fluids present after surgery.
- For reducing swelling post tummy tuck, intake of a proper and balanced diet is important to help with healing and tissue repair.
- Reduce sodium intake because sodium retains water in the body. A salty diet will help lengthen the time of swelling after surgery.
- Resume exercises slowly and steadily increase it until the normal exercise regimen is allowed and tolerated.
- Get a massage, either a tissue massage or lymphatic massage, to help in the reduction of swelling.
- Wearing a compression garment is important and is always ordered by the doctor after a tummy tuck procedure. The compression garment should be worn throughout the 6-week period.
- Medications that affect the body’s fluid balance should be avoided such as caffeine, diuretics and other drugs and supplements.