Swelling and bruising are common side effects of the hourglass tummy tuck procedure. Swelling is a common reaction of your body to the surgical trauma. It simply indicates that your body’s natural defense system is working to cope with the surgical trauma that your body just went through.
Swelling will be at its worst for the first few days following the hourglass tummy tuck. One week after the intervention, the swelling will start to subside gradually. After 3-4 weeks, more than 60 percent of the swelling will disappear. After six weeks, more than 90 percent of the swelling will disappear. Over the next few months, the remaining swelling will subside.
There is no doubt that bruising can be ugly after the hourglass tummy tuck. The first few days, your skin will be pink in terms of bruising. After one week, the bruising will become dark, then purple and then blue. After ten days, the bruising should typically start to become lighter and change a few more colors before becoming normal. Normally, the bruising will completely disappear within 2-3 weeks following the hourglass tummy tuck.
In order to decrease the swelling and bruising and expedite the healing process, the patient must follow the surgeon’s instructions and take proper care during the recovery process. You should take sufficient rest, especially during the first 2-3 weeks following the operation.
The use of ice packs or cold compression can help decrease the swelling; however, you should use them with the approval of your plastic surgeon. When sleeping, be sure to keep your head elevated and use pillows and cushions to stay comfortable in bed. Water helps reduce the postoperative swelling and bruising. Make sure to drink enough water after the procedure.
There are certain herbal medications you may take with the approval of your surgeon. For example, you may consider taking Arnica Montana or bromelain because these herbs are popular for coping with the postoperative swelling and bruising.
Also, avoid doing physically demanding activities during the recovery period, avoid smoking, don’t take blood thinning medications, and follow the surgeon’s instruction completely. These tips would help reduce the postoperative swelling and bruising. If the swelling expands beyond the surgery site, make sure to contact your surgeon because that could be a sign of complications like infection.