Tummy Tuck Side Effects

Some side effects are to be expected following abdominoplasty surgery. While these unpleasant symptoms may cause some discomfort, they are not considered complications. Some of these side effects are triggered by your body’s own immune system to augment the healing process. The most common side effects of a tummy tuck include swelling and pain. Your surgeon will explain in detail the side effects you should expect after tummy tuck surgery. Tummy tuck healing problems do not occur often, but you should contact your doctor right away if you experience a sudden increase in the severity of your discomfort, or any side effects that were not discussed prior to surgery.

Tummy Tuck Swelling

A tummy tuck procedure is not a simple cosmetic treatment; it is a major surgery. It is normal for a patient to experience some uncomfortable side effects after an abdominoplasty procedure. Tummy tuck swelling is to be expected in the days following your abdominoplasty. The degree of swelling depends on the type of procedure that was performed and on your unique characteristics as a patient. Your cosmetic surgeon will give you guidelines on how to minimize post- tummy tuck swelling. A compression garment or abdominal binder will help keep tummy tuck swelling under control, as will a regimen of gentle movement (to improve your circulation and help the healing process along).

The flatter, smoother abdomen that was the goal of your abdominoplasty will become more obvious as tummy tuck swelling decreases. Talk to a qualified cosmetic surgeon to discuss your concerns about tummy tuck swelling.

Tummy Tuck Pain

One of the more common but manageable tummy tuck problems is post-operative pain. Your cosmetic surgeon can prescribe pain medication if you need it. When you wake up from the anesthesia, your abdomen may be swollen and painful; if you’ve undergone the surgery as an outpatient, you should be sure to take your pain medications as instructed rather than waiting until the pain sets in. Over time, the tummy tuck swelling and pain will lessen and eventually disappear. The rare complications of tummy tuck procedures include conditions that are often signaled by increased pain, so be sure to contact your surgeon if your pain level starts to escalate. Also, be sure to contact your surgeon if the pain does not lessen within six weeks of your tummy tuck surgery. Problems can occur if your incision is healing too slowly.

Talk to a Surgeon to Learn More about the Side Effects of Abdominoplasty

Managing the side effects of an abdominoplasty procedure is easier when the patient has the assistance of an experienced and trustworthy cosmetic surgeon. All of the cosmetic surgeons who are part of the extensive DocShop online directory are highly skilled, experienced physicians who will be glad to discuss your concerns about the potential side effects of a tummy tuck, including swelling, scars, and pain. Use DocShop to find such a surgeon in your area now.