10 Days Post Op Mommy Makeover. Lower Abdomen Swelling? (photo) Doctor Answers, Tips
Mommy Makeover: Q&A
Ask a Question

10 Days Post Op Mommy Makeover. Lower Abdomen Swelling? (photo)

I had a extended tummy tuck with breast lift/augmentation and lipo on my flanks. Overall I am thrilled with the results especially since the 'before' was so bad. My lower abdomen though is concerning me. I look 3 months pregnant. I expect swelling, but it seems so centered right at my lower abdomen. It is a little better in the morning (as I would expect with swelling) but never goes away. My Dr. does not place drains, so I'm trying not to get upset, but does this look like normal swelling?

13 Doctor Answers | Asked by HappyMommyof2 in New Mexico
+2

10 Days Post Abdominoplasty - Do I Have A Seroma Or Is This Swelling Normal?

As I read your question, you are asking, do you have a seroma, a hematoma, or is this swelling normal? The answer to this question requires an in person physical exam, and possibly even placing a needle or better, a seromacath, to test if there is any fluid present in your lower abdominal area. This question needs to be posed to your plastic surgeon. All that being said, it sure looks like a seroma to me, and if you were my patient, I would place a seromacath for a day... more
+2

Swelling vs. Fluid after Tummy Tuck

Your doctor may have used "progressive tension" sutures which help close down the space where fluid accumulates, minimizing the need for drains. It is possible that you may a small collection of blood or lympatic fluid. I would recommend evaluation by your plastic surgeon to ensure this is not the case. I wish you a safe and healthy recovery.
+2

Mommy Makeover and Post Operative Swelling

It is not unusual to have lower abdominal swelling 10 days after a mommy makeover with a tummy tuck. However, you may have developed a collection of fluid or blood (seroma or hematoma). Check with your surgeon to see if they would suggest draining off the fluid if it is present. But don't worry, even if you need to have the fluid drained it is a relatively easy procedure. Best wishes.

You might also like...

Real Stories

Scheduled for Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation DR PANTOJA - Tijuana, MX

After having a baby and loosing about 75 pounds i was left with alot of loose skin in my...

Before + After Photos

View 1000 Mommy Makeover photos
+1

Mommy Makeovers Require Close Follow-up With Your Plastic Surgeon For Optimal Results

Swelling can be very normal 10 days following a tummy-tuck, especially if accompanied by liposuction. Compression is helpful. Close follow-up with physical examination with your Plastic Surgeon is essential to make sure that it is nothing more serious such as a seroma or hematoma. Best of luck. Dr. Lyos
+1

Swelling after Tummy Tuck?

Congratulations on having undergone the breast and abdominoplasty surgery. Based on your concerns and picture, you will be much better served by following up with your plastic surgeon for direct examination, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. Ant fluid accumulation can easily be diagnosed and treated. Best wishes.
+1

Lower abdomen swelling 10 days post-op abdominoplasty

It is very difficult to tell from the photo alone. Swelling at 10 days after a procedure such as tummy tuck can be normal. However, without an actual evaluation such a call is not possible. It would be highly recommended to see your surgeon if you have not done so already. If it is a fluid collection, it can be drained safely in the office. The sooner the fluid is drained, if there is fluid, the better the chance of a favorable outcome.
+1

Swelling After Mommy Makeover

At only 10 days it is impossible to predict the final results of your surgery. The swelling and bruising that you are experiencing are normal reactions to surgery. Be patient and do not worry; it will take at least 6 weeks before the majority of the swelling subsides and you can accurately gauge your results. Not all doctors use drains so do not worry about that. If you have any concerns be sure to follow up with your doctor. Jaime Perez, MD Mommy Makeover Specialist Plastic... more
+1

Swelling 10 Days after Tummy Tuck

You cannot really tell from the photo. A seroma needs to be found on examination. Sometimes you can feel a fluid wave, like a water bed, but not always. The other cause of swelling could simply be general swelling after surgery. Check in with your surgeon. If there is a seroma, the earlier it is treated the more successful it will be.
+1

Hello

At 10 days it is very normal to have swelling. It takes body 6-12 month for all swelling to subside. You need to give your body time to heal. Make sure you are using your compression garment to help with the swelling.
+1

10 Days Post Op Mommy Makeover. Lower Abdomen Swelling?

Maybe I'm seeing in the posted side view photo something the other experts are not. It appears as you have a seroma/hematoma. I venture to guess at least 100 cc's+/-. Best to be seen immediately for aspiration. Good luck. Follow up would be nice.
+1

10 Days postop

I can't tell much from your photo. Definitely followup with your plastic surgeon to make sure your concerns are addressed. Dr. Basu
+1

Mommy makeover recovery

Congrats on your mommy makeover transformation. I can't really give you much in terms of advice based on your photos. Its not the best quality photo, but it does look like you are healing just fine. Bruising and swelling will take time to resolve. Continue with your compression garments as recommended by your PS. Please followup with your PS as scheduled. Best of luck! Dr. Kim
+1

Lower Abdomen Swelling?

Even with this photo I cannot reliably guess the cause, and urge you to contact your surgeon. There could be a fluid collection, there could be abdominal swelling (often related to pain meds and resultant constipation. I see nothing alarming here. Thanks for the question, and for the photo. Best wishes.
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (3)

HappyMommyof2 19 Aug 2012
700cc hematoma was evacuated and a drain placed
HappyMommyof2 13 Aug 2012
Well I went to see my PS first thing this morning. I do not have a seroma but I do have a hematoma so poo. We're going to watch it until Wednesday and if it grows at all I have to have it evacuated.
HappyMommyof2 10 Aug 2012
Also, I have been off of pain meds for a week, and am not constipated.

Ask a Question

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok