April 9,2012 Full Tummy Tuck, Very Very Swollen? No Fluid Pockets

I had a breast reduction in 2010, and a tummy tuck April 9, 2012. To this day I am very swollen, 2 weeks after surgery my stomach was totally flat. At about 6 weeks after my stomach and belly button region started to swell. I had a ct scan and mti done as well as an ultrasound. I have no fluid of fat at all. I am very disapointed and my surgeon seems to be dumb founded.I get asked when I am due! I am 45 yrs old. Please help.

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age 45-54 swollen 8 months post-op

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by LeslieMR01

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8 Months after Tummy Tuck and Still Swollen? Fluid Collection Ruled Out

There should be very little swelling at 8 months following tummy tuck, and a larger contour could be due to weight gain or failure of plication.

Fuller abdomen despite a tummy tuck.

This is an unusual situation to have a flat stomach at 6 weeks and a full stomach at 6 months without fluid collection. The most obvious cause would be weight gain with a increase in your intra-abdominal fat. This causes an increase in pressure inside the abdominal cavity and leads to a bulging of the abdomen (the male equivalent is the "beer gut"). Another consideration is abdominal wall laxity. If the issues are related to weight, obviously a healthy diet and weight loss will help.... more

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Recurrence of abdominal bulge following an abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty should be a one time procedure. I understand your frustration. You did not mention if you have gained any weight since your surgery as no body contouring procedure is a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. If your abdomen is larger than expected now and was flat at 6 weeks and your weight is stable and you have been checked for fluid collections then the other possibility is recurrent laxity of the anterior abdominal wall. You should be examined your... more

Swelling after Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon and/or a second opinion plastic surgeon consultant) for precise diagnosis and treatment. 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. The swelling... more

Swelling after tummy tuck

Hello Leslie, thanks for your question! Swelling after a tummy tuck, especially when combined with liposuction, may last up to a year. However, by 8 months, the majority of this should be resolved. It's good that the CT and MRI showed no fluid collection (seroma) or blood collection (hematoma). You may still have some residual swelling from the surgery, so it wouldn't hurt to try a compression garment. Also, it's VERY common for people to gain weight after surgery.... more

Tummy Tuck and Swelling

Based on the information you provided, I suggest you seek a second opinion. Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for an evaluation, and to discuss your expectations and concerns. Be sure to take a copy of your operative report with you to your appointment. Best of luck to you!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD

4 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Full Tummy Tuck, Very Very Swollen

By six months there should not be swelling of such significance. It would be most helpful to see some photos, both current and from before surgery before making a comment. One possibility that comes to mind is that the abdominal muscle plication failed sometime after two weeks. Other than fluid collection which seems to be excluded by the studies, I cannot think of another likely explanation. Thanks for your question, best wishes.