Abdominal Damage Due to Heavy Coughing 1 Week Post Op, What Can I Do? (photo)

Swelling after an abdominoplasty is normal, especially in the lower abdomen where the tissue swelling is likely to be greatest due to either normal swelling of the tissues or a fluid build up underneath the tissues. Your surgeon could not get any fluid out with a syringe and your drains are still in and they drain that area, so it's unlikely there is a fluid collection in that area, it's probably the tissues themselves which are swollen. Time, your compression garment and... more

Thank you for your question. As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment and it sounds like your surgeon is taking care of you. Abdominal wall "swelling" after tummy tuck may be related to: 1. Swelling in the soft tissues. This may take several months to resolve and may worsen with increased activity or at the end of the day. Patience is required to allow for resolution of the swelling.... more

Lower abdominal welling within the first 1-2 weeks following abdominoplasty is either from a seroma or edema. As there is no redness or mention of fever I doubt that there is an infection. If your drains are functioning well and your doctor had a "dry tap" then it is probably edema. Use of an elastic garment and time will usually resolve this issue. A physical exam would be required to tell you more.