5 weeks post op tummy tuck and my belly is like a water bed. How do I get rid of the water build up?
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I work in an office. I sit most of the day. If I got a full tummy tuck, when can I go back to work? I would have someone that could drive me to and from the office.
If I took a week off would that be enough time?
Thank you for your question. It really depends on two factors in my opinion,
First, how much narcotic pain medication are you requiring during the course of the day. Secondly, the ability to get up move around freely.
This is the discussion that most definitely is worthy of your Operating plastic surgeons opinion.
Best wishes.
Congrats on your surgery. Most patients do not feel comfortable for 10 to 14 days following a TT. If you do not have the muscles repaired you may be able to return to work sooner. Your best bet is to follow the instructions of your surgeon.
Thank you for your question. Individual recovery times will vary to some extent. Most patients who have an office job and don't need to perform any strenuous activity or be on their feet all day can usually return back to work within one week. Use of long acting injectable pain medication like Exparel during surgery can help enhance recovery. Also not having a drain can speed up return to work and allow for a more comfortable recovery. I would recommend that you meet with a board-certified plastic surgeons” to discuss the procedure and recovery expectations in more detail.
I’m 10 weeks since my tummy tuck surgery, everything has gone well. However I do feel that I am still swollen, above my belly button and below my belly button not as much as at the beginning but it’s still swollen. I have no pain at all just the same tightness feeling. I’ve read that it depends on each person for the healing process. Please advise if this is somewhat normal or should I be concerned?
Swelling can be present to some degree for 6 months or sometimes longer after abdominoplasty (i.e. tummy tuck). In all likelihood the swelling and tightness are normal for the course of healing but you should visit your surgeon so he/she can examine you and determine if there are any abnormalities. It could be possible there are fluid collections present, known as a seroma.
I have my patients do a regimen of support garments (foam pads, abdominal binders or faja) and lymphatic massage post op to help reduce swelling, decrease risk of seroma formation, promote a better overall shape, and to speed up softening of internal scar tissue. Occasionally I will also prescribe a diuretic and have found high patient satisfaction with using this to reduce post op swelling.
It is not unusual for swelling to persist for 3-6 months following an Abdominoplasty. If you are concerned I would recommend a follow up visit with your surgeon. A good physical examination will assist in determining a cause.
I’m sorry that you’re dealing with these problems. It is best for you to be reevaluated by your plastic surgeon. You may have a fluid collection beneath the skin called a seroma. If your drain has been removed already, you may need to have this fluid re-drained. Best wishes.