Due to the invasive nature of the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure, it is uncommon to find swelling as one of its side effects. This results from the accumulation of extracellular fluid near the surgical site. Swelling usually subsides within 3 weeks after surgery, but in some rare instances it can take longer. This has to be relieved in order to hasten healing time and to prevent any possible complications such as bleeding or seromas. So to reduce any chances of swelling here are some effective tips that you can follow.

Drink up. You might probably think that it is rather ironic for you to be chugging down more water when in fact you should be reducing swelling. But the underlying reason here is that it protects you from getting constipated. Hydrating yourself appropriately will promote good bowel movement and can prevent bloating. Some medications can also cause constipation and drinking water can promote easier waste expulsion and it also flushes the toxins out of your body.

Maintain a low sodium diet. Sodium is known to retain fluid in the system; as a result it can worsen swelling. This doesn’t mean that you should forgo any salt altogether because this is also important. You simply have to limit it and avoid canned goods, salty snacks, or fast food meals because their high salt content can only worsen swelling.

Apply a cold compress. Immediately after surgery and into the first few hours, applying a cold compress is an effective treatment to reduce swelling. Adding to that it also lessens the chances of bruising.

Get adequate rest and have appropriate activity. Moving around can effectively reduce swelling but you need to ease into your normal activities gradually to prevent straining your body unduly. Start of by doing position changes while on bed to prevent any pooling of fluids, and then you can progress to walking short distances. Increase your pace everyday but make sure to avoid activities that are compromising to wound healing such as bending over, jogging, sex, sit-ups, stretching and heavy lifting. Always remember that you don’t have to rest all the way in order for you to recuperate. To promote faster healing get rid of the swelling with the right activities.

Proper positioning. Swelling can be relieved when you assume the right positions when resting. It is best that you stay reclined to avoid pooling of blood in the abdominal area. With the effects of gravity, it can help flush the fluids.

Wear compression garments. This may be already directed by the doctor as a tummy tuck post-operative instruction, but you should always make sure that you keep it on for the duration that was advised to you. This is why it would be wise to prepare more than one so that you can change it once it gets soiled. In that way you can maintain the compression without risking yourself from infection.

Get a massage. A massage can prevent swelling because it displaces impending fluid buildup in the area. To make sure that it is safe, you need to ask your surgeon if he sees it safe for you. You can either get a tissue massage or a lymphatic massage. The latter is a perfect way to lessen the lymphatic fluid accumulation in the tissues. You just have to make sure that you get the massage once the wound has closed, which is usually around 2 weeks. Massage is also a way to lighten scars.

Tummy Tuck could greatly enhance the look of a person and increase one’s self-esteem if done right. If you are planning to have such procedure done on you, seek the help of Esteem Cosmetic Studio by clicking here. They have clinics in Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra to cater your needs. Feel free also to add