Once you’ve invested so much time and effort into the research, consultation, and preparation for your surgery, it’s normal to be eagerly anticipating your results. It’s so important, however, to remember that the transformation won’t be immediate—after your surgery day, your body will need time and proper care to heal. In this blog series, we’re outlining some of the common post-operative concerns we encounter to help you feel as prepared as possible for a smooth surgical journey; beginning with body surgeries like tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), liposuction, fat transfer, and BBLs. We know it’s hard, but remember…good things take time!
Swelling & Bruising after Body Surgery
While advancements in the field have made surgical recovery much more manageable in recent years, cosmetic body surgery is still a major event that your body will be working hard to heal from. You will likely experience swelling and bruising, and there is great variation in how much of these responses each individual will experience. Post-surgical bruising can present as any of the typical colours—red, blue, purple, black—and may appear to be spreading as it fades and changes colour; this is normal. Bruising after surgery typically subsides after two to three weeks.
You can also expect moderate swelling after your procedure. This will often be related to how much liposuction, if any, is performed. Although your new contours will still be quite visible, this swelling will hide the final contours until it has subsided. Both swelling and bruising may not appear evenly across the treatment area—it is normal to have more on one side than the other. Some tummy tuck patients also experience swelling and bruising of the genitals. Swelling will subside over time, but keep in mind that the timeline may not be linear. For example, while 80% of swelling will be gone three weeks after a tummy tuck, it may take 9-12 months for the remaining 20% to fully subside—still a drop in the bucket compared to the many years you’ll enjoy your final results for!
In rare cases, a hematoma may form, most commonly within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. This is a pooling of blood beneath the skin and can require urgent care. Whereas bruising will be flat compared to unaffected skin and tender to the touch, a hematoma will typically present as raised, firm, and painful. You should contact your surgeon’s office if you suspect you may have a hematoma.
Lumps & Compression after Body Surgery
After a liposuction procedure in particular, it is normal to have some lumps and bulges around the treatment area as a result of fluid accumulation. In the early post-operative phase, you may even feel that you look larger or more bloated than you did prior to surgery. We know this can be a disheartening feeling, but it’s really a completely normal part of the healing process. After most body surgeries, including liposuction, abdominoplasty, and BBLs, you will wake up from surgery with a compression garment already in place. The purpose of this garment is to:
- apply even pressure over the treatment area
- allow your skin to redrape over your new contours
- reduce bruising and swelling
- help your body absorb fluid
- prevent excessive fluid buildup
As you can see, this garment is a key part of your recovery. The more you wear your garment, the more likely it is that you will see great results on schedule. Each procedure carries different recommendations on how long and how often you should wear your garment, so be sure to read your specific post-op instructions.
Another tool at your disposal following body surgery is lymphatic massage. This is a technique that can be performed by a practitioner outside of FORM, such as a physiotherapist or registered massage therapist. This form of massage stimulates the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system, and can aid healing during the recovery phase by encouraging drainage of excess fluid. If you are interested in this option, we are happy to provide you with additional resources.
When can I exercise and drive after body surgery?
Many of our patients lead vibrant, active lives and are excited to get back to them…we understand! While we want you to enjoy all your activities (and the new changes to your body), our top priority is to keep you healthy and safe. While we encourage walking around and getting your blood circulating as soon as you feel able, even the same day of your surgery, you will need to avoid all exercise for several weeks depending on your procedure. A good rule of thumb is to stay away from any activity that increases your heart rate. This includes:
- jogging
- cycling or stationary bikes
- lifting weights
- swimming
- HIIT
- hiking
- yoga
We’ve even been asked about bungee jumping…sounds fun, but the answer is a resounding no! You need to take this time to treat your body gently. If you have had a procedure like a tummy tuck that tightened your muscles, you will need to take extra care to avoid exercises that recruit your abdominals for six weeks after surgery. This includes but is not limited to sit ups, crunches, leg raises, pull ups, planks, bear crawls, and mountain climbers. After six weeks you can gradually start to introduce these into your routine again.
Exercising sooner than your surgeon recommends can have significant consequences, including increased bleeding and swelling, delayed healing, pulling on the incision lines, and ruptured sutures.
Even an activity like driving can be detrimental to your recovery. Driving during the post-op phase can also be dangerous for others—experiencing sudden pain may cause you to jerk the wheel, or a hesitancy to make sudden movements could mean you don’t hit the brakes fast enough. You should plan to have someone else drive you to your first post-op appointment, and you will need to avoid driving for 2-4 weeks after surgery, until you no longer have pain and are no longer restricted in your mobility. You also should not drive while taking any medications that can alter your reaction time.
We hope this guide has helped you feel more prepared for the post-operative stage of your journey. While the restrictions can sound daunting, remember that you are trading a relatively short time for many more years of increased confidence and satisfaction. We know you love your body—let’s keep it that way! In addition to your follow-up visits, our team will always be available to you for any questions or concerns, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
