How Long Can Swelling Last After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

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2/23/2023

Aging, childbirth, genetics, and dramatic weight loss create unwanted pockets of fat and sagging skin around the abdominal region, which can lead to frustration, poor posture, and joint discomfort. At Plastic Surgery Vegas, we strive to provide our patients with attractive cosmetic outcomes with innovative technologies and the latest surgical techniques. Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins and Dr. Andrew G. Silver work with patients throughout Las Vegas, NV to help them attain their body contouring goals through personalized tummy tuck surgeries.

What is tummy tuck surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is an invasive cosmetic procedure used to trim away unwanted fat deposits and sagging skin while reshaping and tightening the abdominal region. The goal is to contour the tummy when lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise provide little to no satisfying results. At Plastic Surgery Vegas, Dr. Higgins and Dr. Silver work with each patient by discussing their medical history, listening to personal body contouring goals, and developing unique tummy tuck surgical plans that can produce gorgeous, long-lasting results.

Types of tummy tuck surgeries

At Plastic Surgery Vegas, we offer three common types of tummy tuck surgeries, depending on your personal goals, including:

  • Full: Corrects problems in both the upper and lower abdomen

  • Mini: Addresses issues just below the belly button or the “pooch”

  • Extended: A combined surgery beneficial for the abdomen, upper thighs, and hips

Benefits of tummy tuck surgery

Individuals can experience numerous benefits from tummy tuck surgery, including:

  • Reduced, unwanted fat deposits

  • Tighter, smoother skin

  • Firmer core muscles

  • Remediates hernia symptoms

  • Improved postural stability and balance

  • Back and joint relief

  • Potentially corrects urinary incontinence

  • A highly customized experience

  • Long-lasting results

Am I an ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery?

You may be an excellent candidate for tummy tuck surgery if you:

  • Are at an ideal, healthy weight

  • Have sagging abdominal skin

  • Are done having children

  • Want to achieve a firmer, contoured core

Dr. Higgins and Dr. Silver assess medical histories to determine if you can safely undergo a tummy tuck. Patients with certain medical conditions may not qualify for surgery.

What the surgical process looks like

Tummy tuck surgeries are performed at Plastic Surgery Vegas using general anesthesia. Incisions are discreetly made based on the type of tummy tuck procedure selected. Once your surgery is completed, you will be monitored in one of our recovery rooms. Once you have received your recovery instructions, you will be sent home with a compression garment to begin the healing process.

How long can swelling last after tummy tuck surgery?

The duration of the swelling depends on body type and the surgical procedure selected. In many cases, swelling may last several weeks to a few months but slowly diminishes with time if the patient adheres to the recovery protocol. Patients are instructed to wear a compression garment to aid with swelling reduction and to promote incision healing.

What recovery looks like after tummy tuck surgery

Patients are encouraged to rest for a few days. Since the surgery requires invasive cuts into the abdominal region, patients should expect difficulty with walking for the first couple of weeks. Patients are encouraged to get up and take a few steps every day, progressing into a regular walking pattern over a few weeks to promote blood flow. After approximately eight weeks, many patients may resume typical physical exercise regimens. In regards to scar management, Dr. Higgins and Dr. Silver send instructions home with each patient for incisional healing and to diminish the overall appearance of scars.

How to make my tummy tuck results last

With adherence to recovery protocols and healthy lifestyle choices, patients can enjoy their tummy tuck surgery results for years. Here are a few ways to help ensure long-lasting outcomes:

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Practice a healthy skin care routine

  • Exercise regularly

  • Eat nutritious meals

  • Avoid getting pregnant.

If you do get pregnant or experience dramatic weight gain, this may compromise your surgical results. Dr. Higgins and Dr. Silver are happy to work with you in the future to freshen up your body contouring outcomes.

Schedule a consultation to learn about tummy tuck surgery in Las Vegas

If you reside in or near Las Vegas, NV, are unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen, and are hoping for a firmer, attractive core, contact us at Plastic Surgery Vegas today. Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins and Dr. Andrew G. Silver will gladly work with you to create a tummy tuck surgical plan that fits your unique needs.

Dr. Silver makes you feel like his new best friend! He is very attentive and explains very clearly to you on what to expect from your procedure. I am very happy with his work and would highly recommend him .

D.B. Google

My experience at "Plastic Surgery Vegas" practice has been amazing.Everyone I came in contact with was very welcoming and professional. I can not speak highly enough of Dr. Higgins and his close staff (Laura & Kristin). This was to be my 4th breast augmentation in 25years (my 1st with Dr. Higgins), which included reconstruction/lift due to wanting to go smaller with this surgery. After my initial consultation with Dr. Higgins, I felt very comfortable and confident to proceed, but as a nurse, I had a few more questions. His reception had no problem scheduling an additional appointment to address any additional concerns. In my career as a nurse, I have met and worked with many physicians over the years. I have come across very few surgeons as authentic, caring, skilled and talented as Dr. Higgins. I felt that Dr. Higgins really listened to me, and addressed my questions and concerns. As most people are,,,, I was nervous about the surgery but felt very taken care of by Dr. Higgins and his staff all the way into to O.R. and just prior to being put to sleep. In all of my previous surgeries, I had never been met with such attention and compassion up to and beyond my surgery. Additionally, my results are PHENOMENAL, and have far exceeded my expectations. I would trust & recommend Dr. Higgins, as well as "Plastic Surgery Vegas" not only to complete strangers, but to anyone I love and care about. Las Vegas is a city that attracts lots of Plastic surgeons, which can make choosing a quality Plastic surgeon VERY difficult. I took my time, I did my research, and am extremely happy I did. If you expect quality care and results, Dr. Higgins, and Plastic Surgery Vegas will far exceed your expectations.

M.N. Google

Love the team! Dr. Silver is super nice and great caring. Love my results. He knows what he’s doing 👌

V.N. Google

Dr Higgins is not only a gifted surgeon, but he is extremely professional and has impeccable bedside manner. I would definitely recommend Dr Higgins

M.W. Google

Dr Edwards is an amazing kind caring doctor. I am so very impressed with how meticulous he is with his sutures...and I had 0 bruising!! Love him and would highly recommend. He also has outstanding credentials!!

K.B. Google

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* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.