I had a TT 7 days ago and I have a swelling pain on the right side of the abdomen next to the belly button? (photo)

Thank you for the question and pictures. I do not see anything of concern on the photographs but this evaluation does not come close to in person clinical evaluation. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource for evaluation of the concerns that you have; if still in doubt, you will be best off requesting an additional visit with him/her… Generally speaking, 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 occurs because of the interruption of venous and lymphatic channels that occurs during the tummy tuck operation.2. Fluid accumulation in the space between the skin and the abdominal wall muscle. this may consist of blood ( hematoma) or serum (seroma). This fluid accumulation can generally be diagnosed by physical examination ( occasionally ultrasound may be helpful). Treatment consists of aspiration; several episodes of aspiration may be necessary. 3. Separation of the abdominal wall muscle repair may lead to a swelling/bulge appearance. This may be diagnosed on physical examination with your surgeon examining you in different bodily positions. One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication) of the rectus muscles. These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination. Additional liposuction surgery maybe necessary to improve the results of surgery.Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year (or greater) a complete skin redraping to occur.I hope this helps.

Swelling and pain is normal only 7 days after your tummy tuck. Complications can occur so if you are concerned, you should speak with your surgeon and be evaluated.

Very difficult to see or say anything definitive based on the photographs.  Because you had extra work done around your belly button, and you are only 7 days out, it is most likely to be expected that you are sensitive in the area and even could have some extra swelling there.  Continue to follow up with your surgeon.For more information, please go to my website at:WirthPlasticSurgery.com