Hello,
I am 10 months post-op. I am 5'3' and weigh 109. My entire abdomen is swollen and painful (like a bowling ball is in there) after walking, lifting anything or doing just daily activity. I can only sleep on my left side. I was a big runner before the TT. I am so miserable, and starting to get really depressed. Did you ever find relief?
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I had an umbilical hernia and diastis repair (with mesh) and they recommended using my c-section scar for cosmetic reasons. My choice was a long scar vertically or hip to hip. I chose hip to hip as there was already a scar.
15 years later there is still trouble with swelling! Why? I found out it was not fat but a compromised lymphatic system due to the surgery. The hip to hip scar and the lifting/repositioning of flesh challenges the natural lymphatic pathways, with scar tissue creating blockages. The lymph has trouble moving and gets backed up so there is added fluid retension. This was explained to me by a lymphatic massage physical therapist.
Things that help:
- Manual lymphatic drainage massage to encourage new pathways (very important early on, if I had done this then it may have been less pronounced)
- swimming (the water pressure is compression)
- anti inflammatory diet (helps reduce inflammation and swelling)
- I wear a compression stocking on the leg with swelling for prolonged sitting, heat, exercise or standing
- massaging the old scar to soften it
- gentle jumping on a rebounder
- remaining positive since I cant turn back time so visualising a healing healthy body
Hopefully some of this may be helpful.
Since plastic surgeons are not lymphatic and vascular specialists it is possible they are unaware of the possible compromise of a tummy tuck to the function of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system can regenerate somewhat and create some new pathways but needs time and assistance sometimes.
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I am 12 months post extended tummy tuck with liposuction. It is so refreshing to see all the posts from all of you on this topic. I have been searching for answers for months. Although none of us has found a resolution, it is affirming to know that others are experiencing the same thing I am experiencing and that I am not creating these issues in my mind or overreacting to what I see and feel in my body. My lower abdomen is amazingly flat but my upper abdomen is bloated and still have the spare tire appearance. Some days it is better than others. I found that wearing a corset helps. I wish the upper abdomen looked like the lower abdomen. Overall though, I am still happy that I did the surgery because the lower abdomen was not going away, no matter what I did with diet and exercise. Now, I can actually see my shape with the lower abdomen gone. I now am trying to manage the upper abdomen bloating or spare tire. Has anyone looked into a reverse tummy tuck? I keep running into blogs on this topic every time I research the upper abdomen bulge issue.
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