3 Weeks After Tummy Tuck Swelling

Many patients experience post-surgical swelling that peaks within the first few days after surgery and gradually decreases over the next several weeks. After three weeks of tummy tuck recovery, you may notice that your swelling has reduced significantly. However, it will take many more weeks for all swelling to disappear and for you to see your final results. Swelling after a tummy tuck can last for a long time since the surgery is quite extensive. The most noticeable swelling will subside after 2-3 months.

Before your procedure, the surgeon will have given you specific instructions for aftercare, including when it is safe to resume physical activity. At three weeks post-op, you should be able to do certain routine activities around the house, such as cleaning and light cooking. However, strenuous activities like lifting heavy objects and exercising should still be avoided until cleared by your doctor.

You will also have been given a compression garment which should be worn during your recovery period and is often used during the first few months after surgery. You should wear this garment at all times except when sleeping or bathing.

Your surgeon may also recommend a course of antibiotics during the three-week recovery period in order to prevent infection. It’s important that you continue taking these antibiotics until they are completely gone.

One of the most common complaints patients have at this stage is numbness in their abdominal area as well as itching in their incision area. Both sensations are normal and can last for several months after surgery, but if they persist beyond this point or become severe, you should consult.

3 Weeks After Tummy Tuck Swelling

How Long is Tummy Tuck Recovery?

The recovery time after tummy tuck can vary somewhat depending on several factors, including the patient’s overall health and whether or not any other procedures were performed during the surgery. For example, women who combine a tummy tuck with breast augmentation, thigh lift, and other treatments as part of a full mommy makeover transformation may require extended recovery time.

General Recovery Timeline

• Time off work: About two weeks, depending on the physical demands of their jobs.


• Light activity: Usually can be resumed after about 1 – 2 weeks.


• Strenuous physical activity and exercise: Should be paused for at least 6 – 8 weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon.

Tummy Tuck Swelling Duration

Swelling after tummy tuck can last for several weeks, and it is a completely normal and expected part of tummy tuck recovery.

Ways to Reduce Tummy Tuck Swelling

1. Wear compression garments: Required to reduce swelling and promote proper healing.


2. Stay mobile: Incorporate very light walking into your daily routine to help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and minimize the risk of postoperative complications.


3. Watch your diet: Minimize sodium intake to reduce swelling and stay adequately hydrated.

Consultation for Tummy Tuck in Las Vegas, NV

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What Does Tummy Tuck Do?

Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery is a substantial cosmetic procedure designed to help patients achieve or restore a slimmer, smoother, tighter abdominal contour through skin removal, muscle reinforcement, and other techniques. A tummy tuck is ideal for women who have had children, patients who have experienced significant weight loss, or those who simply have loose, hanging skin and stubborn pockets of fat due to the aging process.

During tummy tuck surgery in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Khorsandi will make an incision on the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. The length of the incision needed will vary based on how much skin needs to be removed and if any additional procedures are being performed. Dr. Khorsandi fully understands the importance of keeping cosmetic surgery discreet and shares in his patients’ desires to have the least amount of visible scarring possible, taking great care to place his incisions where they can be concealed with underwear or swimsuits, and keeping them as small and thin as they can be to allow for an ideal result.

In many cases, liposuction is used during tummy tuck to remove small pockets of fat from the abdomen and further elevate the patient’s final outcome. For patients suffering from diastasis recti, which is a common result of pregnancy or weight fluctuation, Dr. Khorsandi can reposition and reinforce the abdominal muscles and eliminate the telltale “mommy pooch” or pouch-like tummy. Once these corrections have been made, Dr. Khorsandi will carefully excise the loose, excess skin, pull the remaining skin tight, and secure it with sutures, resulting in a smooth, firm, sexy physique.

Pictures Swelling After Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck Swelling Pictures, Before and After, and Experience. Learn the stages of a tummy tuck, how to recover properly, and the results of a tummy tuck.

The road to recovery from any surgery can be frustrating, and tummy tuck surgery is no different.  You may have been surprised to hear how long the recovery process will take and be a bit anxious about your ability to manage it. Generally, I find that it’s easy to be most afraid of the unknown, and often people don’t tell you about what will happen “after.” However, armed with some knowledge and preparation beforehand, you’ll know what to expect and can plan for an easy and successful recovery.  Soon, you’ll be ready for beach gatherings and slinky dresses, but first, a bit of a rest.

TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY TIME

The first days home

When you first come home the day of your surgery, you’ll probably immediately notice things are rather uncomfortable.  With a fully tummy tuck, the skin on your stomach pulled taught and the soreness and pain from surgery, you’ll be walking in a bent over L shape for at least a week or more.  Go slowly! At this point I was sure glad I did not opt for a breast augmentation too!

Take it easy on yourself and don’t be alone.  Let your support person help you when you need to use the bathroom or move around.  I know this can be so difficult, but injuring yourself at this stage is just not worth it. A note to all those moms out there – resist the temptation to pick up those kiddos or join in on enthusiastic hugs.  Lifting and any sort of strenuous movement is a huge no-no as you recover.  Wait for your doctor to give you the all-clear first.

Also, be sure you understand your after-care instructions, especially regarding your medication and any drains that may have been inserted into the wound area. While it is difficult, try to walk around at least a little bit every few hours.  This keeps your blood circulating and can decrease the likelihood of a blood clot forming.  If you have any questions or concerns about what is “normal” at any time during your recovery, contact your doctor’s office. Make sure you keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor so they can monitor your recovery and let you know when you can up your activity level again. It generally takes a few weeks before you’ll be back on your feet.  Prepare for this in advance and have some quiet activities like reading, knitting or several binge-worthy shows waiting on Netflix before your surgery.

MY FIRST WEEK HOME AFTER TUMMY TUCK

Truthfully the first week after my tummy tuck and liposuction was awful. Well, the first few days were awful and every day it DID get better but looking back, that first whole week sucked. I can’t even remember HOW I got home or in the house, although my husband said I walked. My doctor had sent home these things that went on your legs to help circulate your blood for a few days and help prevent blood clots.

I also had to wear a tight wrap, had a drain on my lower right side and stayed propped up by about 7 pillows when I was on the bed. I ended up sleeping in a zero gravity chair for about 10 days, but more on that later.  I think the first few days are the worst because you are battling tightness, you cannot stand up straight at all and any amount of movement hurt my upper AND lower muscles.

Laughing hurt, coughing hurt, SNEEZING WAS THE WORST.

(tummy tuck pictures Post Op Day 1)

The first time I had to pee after surgery I thought it might be better to just get diapers.

I literally just stood over the toilet to pee, which by the way is a good tip. Pee like a dude for the first few days. Pride…gone. Sitting down meant standing up and I learned pretty quickly to limit my usage of abs. My husband had to help me remove my clothes for about 2 days any time I needed to use the restroom or get in the shower. This is also going to sound crazy, but I used a walker the first week as well and it really helped me feel a lot more stable and be more independent getting from the bed to other areas in the house.

I had not bought one prior to surgery but my husband brought one home and it ended up being used quite a bit.

Stay on your meds!

Keeping on the pain meds, stool softeners, muscle relaxers, vitamins, and whatever else your Doctor asked you to do is very important. Throw that whole “toughing it out” thing out the window. I slept for a good 4-5 days, in and out of watching TV and falling back asleep. Your body just went through something major and it needs recovery time. I thought, since I worked from home and have an office here, that I could be back at my desk pretty quick. I could…but NOT the first week.

You will absolutely need to take the time off. I had a few moments where I thought I was getting better (and I was) but then I had a set back of pain or exhaustion. Do not over do it!

 LIPO RECOVERY SUCKS.

I had lipo of my flanks in conjunction with my tummy tuck. It helped transition the area a lot more smoothly. What I didn’t expect was how bad it hurt! My tummy tuck incision area hurt the least, my muscle repair hurt the second, but that lipo…I was way under prepared for the swelling, numbness and bruising. While I do believe lipo is a necessary evil to make all this worth it and wouldn’t have it any other way, it was probably the worst part of recovery.

I am going into week 4 at the time of this article and I am still slightly swollen on my lower back and still numb.

(lipo picture Post Op Day 4)

(lipo picture Post Op Day 6)

(lipo picture Post Op Day 9)

(lipo picture Post Op week 4)

TUMMY TUCK DRAINS

Prior to surgery, drains were my biggest fear. I did a lot of research on a drainless tummy tuck. To be honest, my fears were unfounded. I had one drain that came out on my right side and stayed clipped to my wrap. The drain had to be emptied during the day. My spouse took care of it the first few days and after that, I did it. I noted the drainage the last few days prior to my follow up appointment and as the fluid had slowed down, the Dr. removed the drain.

Removing the drain was WEIRD. There really is no way to describe it. The doctor clipped the drain at the site, then pulled the tube out. I could feel the tube slide over my abdominal muscles, but it did not hurt. There was a small hole where the drain site was that closed within a few days. It’s now a small scar that I am treating and will fade over time.

(tummy tuck pictures Post Op Day 4)

Week 2 After Tummy Tuck

At some point, you’ll get rather bored sitting around. Your body will start to swell, and you’ll get frustrated. About two weeks in you will also wonder if you will ever be able to walk upright again.

Hint: You will. 

This stage of recovery, regardless of what type of surgery, is the most challenging mentally.  It’s usually a good sign; it means you’re starting to heal, and your body is adapting.  This is the time when it is most crucial that you closely follow your doctor’s instructions about exercise, activity, and diet. It can be easy to overdo it physically, languish in unhealthy foods, and feel a bit lonely and isolated. I think I ate more Oreo’s this week than I have my entire life.

Ironic, right? 

Use this time to take gentle walks around your house and start to get back to your normal routine.  Rest when you feel tired and listen to your body.  Give yourself time and space to heal – enduring this short period of time is worth it. Week two felt like 10 weeks laying around. I thought it had been FOREVER.

I wanted to make dinner.

I wanted to go on walks.

I wanted to do ANYTHING.

You can do those things but do not be surprised if they suck more energy out of you than you realize. Enjoy the down time. I kinda miss watching Friends all day now that I am back to work.  

I did try driving week 2 and my back hurt too much, so I decided not to drive anymore that week.

LIPO SWELLING

Otherwise known as “swell hell” in the online tummy tuck community, swelling is just part of recovery. To help alleviate this, you will wear a wrap for several weeks before your doctor will allow you to change to compression garments like Spanx. Many women also wear fajas, but I personally have not moved to heavy compression. I have followed instructions on the wrap given by my Dr.  but when the Doctor says I can kick it all to the curb, I will. The entire reason I had a tummy tuck was to get rid of those!

I have went through several types of garments and the ones I like the most is the wrap my doctor office sent me home with and boy short spanx. I also wore compression socks a week after surgery and liked these ones the best.  I experienced the most swelling in the first few weeks and now it appears to be fading.

Week 3 after Tummy Tuck: Getting back to normal

After a few weeks, I was ready to get back to my office. I started transitioning in the middle of week two, but it took about 3 weeks before I could sit and work a full day without any issues. This is the week I was also able to stand up straight again. WOO HOO! Unfortunately this was also the week my sutures decided they did not want to self dissolve and began making their way to the surface of my scar and busting through.

My former clean nicely healed scar is now a bit of a mess with redness and my doctor had to cut them out, which was super un-fun. He assured me its a normal complication and the scar should still heal normally. If it doesn’t, he will visit a scar revision in about 8 months.  I will blog about my scar at a later date when it has a chance to heal more.

(tummy tuck post op day 20)

Week 4 After Tummy Tuck

With the exception of the stitch abscess, all is well. I am doing most things normally, I can stand up straight, I can shop and drive. My lower back is still numb, slightly swollen and slightly bruised. My scar is very red still due to the stitch issue. I will update about that in the near future. Also these lines on my stomach around my belly button waistline  are not stretch marks or surgery lines, they are just from my compression garment over night. 🙂

I will also mention here that as your numbness goes away at your incision site and your back/sides, your nerves start to fire off and it pings and itches all to heck. Its like an itch you cannot scratch. I will probably miss that the least!

TUMMY TUCK PICTURES

So its only been a month, but here are my before and after tummy tuck pictures: 

• Starting weight 122 pounds pre-surgery, 28 inches
• Current weight 120 pounds, 28 inches

I know it seems like my waist should have gotten smaller. Swelling made it bigger (got up to 33 inches) and it’s just now back to where it was. I am assuming it will get a bit smaller in the coming months but if it doesn’t, I am still pleased.

ARE YOU HAPPY YOU  GOT A TUMMY TUCK WITH ALL THE PAIN IN RECOVERY?

I wanted to be clear that this is not a totally easy road and not undersell the amount of change your body will go through. There is soreness, swelling, aching, complication risks, expense, time off of work and flat out pain. That being said…I would do it again. And again. And AGAIN! From the minute I was laying there bandaged up on day 1,  I knew I was thrilled. Any time I am having a moment wondering when I will be normal again, I look in the mirror and realize that my new normal is FAR better.

Pain is fleeting and managable. I could not be more happy with my decision and wish I had had the courage to do it 5 years ago.

And for you?

No more will you have to worry about what feels like piles of extra skin hanging off your body.  No more buying a size bigger than you actually are to accommodate “the belly.”  No more mandatory one-piece swimming suits! One day you’ll look back at the anxiety and discomfort associated with your tummy tuck and wonder what you were so worried about.  Ideally, you’ll be too busy getting the most out of your life to ever give your “before” pictures a second thought.