Plastic Surgery????

Hi to all I am doing great after my TT one week out today. Can't sit here for long. I found that yesterday I started swelling and it hasn't gone away. I was fine the first few days. I called my Dr. he said its normal, has anyone out there that has had a tummy tuck experienced this. I look about 4 months preg. and feel 9 months preg. Maybe I over did it yesterday and now paying today??? Any advice would be great. Thanks Rhen

Rhen, Swelling is normal, and the more active you are the more you will swell. Are you wearing a binder? That really helps control the swelling and keeps the tissues tight and well supported while they are healing. Should your swelling become painful, hard or feverish you really need to see your PS. Take care of yourself and stay horizontal as much as possible. Hope this helps! Happy thoughts, Va

To answer two questions here. First Rhen, I had a belt lipectomy which is a lower body lift without the work on the butt or legs. Due to my running I was able to limit any issues in those areas as well as anything to do with abs. Plus, women tend to have more problems with their abs due to child bearing. I had ten pound of excess skin removed around my midsection. I had staples all the way around my "bikini line" except for about two inches in my back. In regards to swelling. Yes, some is normal. I was in a binder all the time except when taking a shower. Also, do you have JP drains? I had four drains to start, and then was down to two after a week. I had the final one removed at five weeks, so this also helped limit swelling. Now that I'm without drains and without the binder, I have had some limited swelling, but not too bad. And yes, pushing to hard can set you back. Listen to your Dr. and your body.

Hi Rhen, I'm as swollen as swollen can be, even with a binder. I went in wearing a loose size 10 and am now in a comfortable 14. Thank God I had a tummy tuck to be trimmer. I understand that the swelling usually lasts 3 to 6 months and can last as long as a year. I also understand that the more active you are, the worse the swelling is at the end of the day. First thing in the morning, I'm reasonably flat. By the end of the day, I look like I swallowed a watermelon. Connie