Tummy Tuck Swelling

I had tummy tuck 7/1/10.  I think that since I am less than 2 weeks out, things look pretty good.  I am just wondering if most people had this swelling low down. I feel like I am pregnant.  My waist is bigger now than it was before surgery.  Am I expecting too much too soon?

Kelly

Yes you are! What you are experiencing is very normal. It will take several weeks before the swelling subsides. It usually gets worse before it gets better. You should start seeing it get less and less with time. Just be patient and hang in there.

Ok... just wanted to make sure I was on track here.  thanks for the help

Kelly

Aloha Kelly- Yip, you are!

I took measurements the night before, and then a few days after surgery ( circumferential belt lipectomy, breast lift and aug). My waist was 1.5 inches bigger ( and my hips 2 inches smaller) immediately post op, and I had to wear my bottoms in a larger size for about 4-5 weeks. I came home with 7 drains ( 5 in the abdomen), but healed very quickly and did not have to wear any compression garments. By 3 months post op, my waist was a full 1.5 inches smaller than pre op, and my hips were a full 3 inches smaller than pre op . So the swelling may take weeks to go down- I've read in some patients where it takes 6-12 months, and they still swell after a hard workout (I don't).

You will get more reduction in waist size depending on the procedure you have- for example an anchor cut ( inverted T) will get you a tinier waist because they cut vertically as well as horizontally, whereas a circumferential has only the horizontal cut. Personally I am thrilled with the butt lift that came as part of the CBL- I got a lot more smoothing of my outer thighs than expected and did not lose my butt ( my PS warned me some people flatten out alot behind).

Deep breath, focus on getting your protein in and healing right- the swelling will resolve and you'll be stoked! XOXOLori

Makes me feel so much better.  I don't know anyone in my personal life that has had this done.  Thanks for the response.  Always helps to hear from some one who has been there!!!!!
I really appreciate it.

Kelly

Hello.. I had my tummy tuck on 5/26/10... So I'm coming up on my 7weeks & I still have alot of swelling going on..  Pretty much the lower part like you said... My surgeon says this part takes the longest to go down... I know that part sucks but hey in the long run it will all be worth it... So I'm shooting for next summer to go shirtless...

Whew that's a big relief.    I will shoot for next summer to go shirtless too!!!!

xox
Kelly