How to reduce swelling after tummy tuck surgery
- Rachel Fincham
- Oct 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 28
Swelling and tightness are a normal part of tummy tuck recovery, but the right aftercare can make all the difference. Here’s how gentle lymphatic drainage supports faster, safer healing: When I had my mummy makeover abroad, I was prepared for the surgery, but nothing prepared me for the recovery. I remember lying there, swollen and sore, wondering if I’d ever feel normal again.
What made all the difference for me was the daily Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) sessions at Nordaesthetics Clinic in Lithuania. At first, I didn’t understand why they insisted on them. But after each gentle treatment, the swelling eased, the pressure lifted, and I felt just that little bit more like myself again.
Before I flew home, my surgeon stressed: “Keep up the MLD when you’re back in the UK.”
That’s where things became difficult.
I booked a “MLD massage” only to find it was a body-contouring treatment, nothing like the precise, specialist, feather-light technique I’d experienced abroad. My swelling worsened, I developed pitting oedema and fibrosis, and I was left feeling unsupported. The next therapist I found was kind and the MLDUK register, but had no idea how to handle post-surgical clients. Eventually, I drove hours to find a lymphoedema specialist who helped, but I felt judged for choosing cosmetic surgery.
That experience shaped everything I do now. Lymphara Clinic exists because no one should feel alone, dismissed, or misunderstood during their recovery. Swelling is normal, and with the right care, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
Here’s what I’ve learned, both personally and professionally, about how to reduce swelling after a tummy tuck.
Why swelling happens after a tummy tuck
Swelling (oedema) is your body’s natural response to surgery. When lymphatic vessels are disrupted, fluid collects under the skin, causing puffiness and tightness. It’s expected, but it doesn’t mean you have to “just live with it.”
If left untreated with proper MLD and aftercare, this swelling can slow recovery, increase discomfort, worsen scarring, and lead to long-term complications such as lymphoedema, fibrosis, or chronic tissue changes.
What’s normal and when to worry
Weeks 1 - 2: Swelling peaks, tightness and bruising are common.
Weeks 3 - 4: Swelling starts to ease but tummy still feels firm.
Weeks 6 - 8: Noticeable improvement, garments fit more comfortably.
3 - 6 months: Swelling continues to reduce; final contour appears.
⚠️ Seek medical advice if swelling is sudden, one-sided, painful, red, hot, or accompanied by fluid.
7 ways to reduce swelling after a tummy tuck
1. Specialist post-operative MLD
This is the treatment that changed everything for me in Lithuania, and why I went on to train in it myself. MLD is not a spa massage, it’s a precise, gentle skin-stretching technique that stimulates lymph flow, reduces swelling, and speeds up recovery.
When choosing a therapist, don’t just look for someone on the MLDUK register. Make sure they have specific training in post-cosmetic surgery MLD. A true post-op specialist will:
Understand how different surgical procedures affect the lymphatic system
Know how to adapt MLD for each surgery (or combination of surgeries)
Be aware of your stage of recovery and safe movement restrictions
Spot complications early and guide you back to your surgeon or GP if needed.
At Lymphara Clinic, I use Dr. Vodder techniques alongside advanced post-op protocols from the Petra Erving Aftercare Academy. This ensures my clients receive the same level of care I wish I’d found when I returned home.
2. Compression garments - worn correctly
The right garment can be your best friend in recovery, but the wrong one can make things worse. I’ve seen clients struggling with garments that are too loose, too tight, or rolling into folds.
✔️ Choose reputable brands (Lipoelastic, Macom, Medasun, to name a few).
✔️ Follow your surgeon’s guidance on wear time.
✔️ Get help with fitting if you’re unsure.
At Lymphara Clinic, I not only help with fitting, I also create bespoke foam inserts to target areas that need more compression. In cases of fibrosis, I sometimes add specialist foams such as Mobiderm under garments to help soften tissues and encourage drainage.
3. Movement & positioning
I remember the first time I stood up straight after surgery, it felt impossible for quite some time.
But gentle, supported movement makes a huge difference to circulation and swelling.
Start with short, frequent walks
Sleep slightly elevated, with pillows supporting your back and knees
Increase mobility gradually
💡 Personal tip: one thing that really helped me was buying a commode off Facebook Marketplace for when I got back home. Having it right by my bed meant I didn’t have to struggle far in those early days. It might sound unglamorous, but little hacks like this can make recovery so much easier.
4. Lymphatic K-taping
Something I didn’t know about in my own recovery, but now use with clients. K-tape gently lifts the skin to encourage lymph flow, reducing stubborn areas of swelling. A good advanced post-op therapist will know exactly how to apply the tape depending on your procedure, using the correct stretch and direction for optimum drainage.
5. Don’t let fibrosis take hold
Because I didn’t get proper care straight away in the UK, I ended up developing fibrosis: hard, lumpy scar tissue that made my tummy feel uneven.
Fibrosis happens when trapped lymphatic fluid hardens and sticks to tissues, creating lumps or ridges under the skin. The earlier it’s addressed, the better the outcome. With MLD and specialist fibrosis therapy, tissues can heal softer, smoother, and more evenly.
6. Nutrition & hydration
Healing takes energy, and food is your fuel. I found my recovery was so much smoother when I focused on:
Protein: chicken, beans, pulses, eggs
Healthy fats: salmon, nuts, seeds
Fresh fruit & veg: for vitamins and antioxidants
Hydration: at least 2 litres of water daily
Cutting back on processed foods, alcohol, sugar, and excess salt also helps reduce bloating and water retention.
7. Rest & self-compassion
Rest is medicine. Recovery is not a straight line, there will be days you feel great and days you feel low. Be patient with yourself, and remember that swelling is part of the journey, not the end result.
A client’s story
One Cheltenham client told me she felt “trapped” in her compression garment because her swelling was so uncomfortable. After just a few MLD sessions, the fluid began to drain, her garment fit properly, and she cried with relief.
I understood exactly how she felt, because I’d been there too.
Why I do post-op MLD in Cheltenham
After my own surgery, I promised myself no one else should have to go through the confusion, loneliness, or lack of support I did. That’s why I created Lymphara Clinic: a place where post-op recovery is safe, specialised, and compassionate.
Ready to feel supported in your recovery?
At Lymphara Clinic (Cheltenham & across the Cotswolds), I provide:
Post-operative MLD
Compression garment guidance
Lymphatic K-taping
Scar & fibrosis therapy
Nutrition and recovery advice
If you’re preparing for or recovering from tummy tuck surgery, I’d love to support you through it.
Book your consultation today and let’s make recovery smoother, together. You may also want to read the 'How to avoid post-op recovery complications' blog to understand how MLD supports your overall healing process.
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