How long do you swell in the tummy area after a tummy tuck revision with lipo?

I had a tummy tuck revision with lipo and scar revision. How long does your tummy area swell after this procedure? It seems like I swell when I pick up anything of weight (e.g. boxes, my grandchildren, etc).

Answers from doctors (6)


Swelling of the abdomen can persist for several months after surgery. This is especially so after revision or secondary surgery because of the formation of more scar tissue.

Answered by William F. DeLuca Jr. MD FACS (View Profile)

Swelling of the abdomen can persist for several months after surgery. This is especially so after revision or secondary surgery because of the formation of more scar tissue.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Zenn Plastic Surgery

Published on Dec 06, 2018

Final swelling should be gone by 4 to 6 months.

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Answered by Zenn Plastic Surgery

Final swelling should be gone by 4 to 6 months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Lipo & Vein Center

Published on Feb 15, 2017

You had an invasive surgery, so what you are experiencing sounds normal. Swelling and tenderness are typical for at least 6 weeks. Though it will subside after this time, expect some mild swelling and tenderness for up to 3 months.

Answered by Laser Lipo & Vein Center (View Profile)

You had an invasive surgery, so what you are experiencing sounds normal. Swelling and tenderness are typical for at least 6 weeks. Though it will subside after this time, expect some mild swelling and tenderness for up to 3 months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Jed Horowitz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Jul 15, 2016

Most swelling is in the first week, and then the first 6 weeks with continued improvement for 6-8 months.

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Answered by Jed Horowitz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Most swelling is in the first week, and then the first 6 weeks with continued improvement for 6-8 months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kathleen Waldorf M.D, FACS

Published on Jun 28, 2016

Recovery from any liposuction can take up to 12 months. I'd encourage you to call your surgeon and check in with them to make sure your swelling is normal and review what activities you can do without causing harm or damage. Best of luck on your recovery!

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Answered by Kathleen Waldorf M.D, FACS

Recovery from any liposuction can take up to 12 months. I'd encourage you to call your surgeon and check in with them to make sure your swelling is normal and review what activities you can do without causing harm or damage. Best of luck on your recovery!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Published on Jun 28, 2016

Swelling after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with liposuction can last for 6 to 12 weeks. Compression over the first 3 weeks can help limit this, but activity can make the transient swelling worse. The liposuction component is typically what causes this annoying but temporary issue.

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Answered by Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Swelling after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with liposuction can last for 6 to 12 weeks. Compression over the first 3 weeks can help limit this, but activity can make the transient swelling worse. The liposuction component is typically what causes this annoying but temporary issue.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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