Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Why is my Upper Tummy Looking Bigger then Before Surgery?

I had a full tummy tuck with lipo of my upper abs. but since day 1 I have either been extremely swollen in my upper abs or there was no lipo done. I am extremely frustrated. I am 2 months post op and it looks like a fat bulged, then rmy belly button goes in then a little swelling below the belly button which I assume is normal. My tummy looks strange- any thoughts?

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upper abs bulge swollen 2 months post-op

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by Blonde in bluffton in Bluffton, Sc

Doctor Answers (14)
Community Comments (1)

Swelling after Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) 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 occurs because of the interruption of venous and... more

Full Tummy Tuck with Liposuction of Upper Abs

This may be residual swelling or residual abdominal wall laxity, but photos of front and side pre and post op would help.

Why is my Upper Tummy Looking Bigger then Before Surgery?

Unfortunately, without photos it is too difficult to understand what is going on here. Please consider posting this question again with some pictures, preferably with some befores. Thanks, best wishes. Patience.

Bulge after Tummy Tuck

In order to adequately diagnose the cause of your bulge, you should be examined by a board certified plastic surgeon. There are several factors that can cause a bulge following abdominoplasty. Swelling of the abdominal soft tissues can last for several months. This swelling can be exacerbated by increased activity. There may also be an accumulation of fluid between the skin and the muscle that can contribute to excess abdominal fullness. Excess fat can also give the appearance of an... more

Fullness in upper abdominal area

There are a number of potential causes for upper abdominal fullness after tummy tuck. These include fluid collections (seromas), extra fat that has not been removed, or weakness of muscle repair. Please submit pictures.

Bulging after a tummy tuck.

In order to diagnose the reason for your bulge, a physcial examination is required. Bulging occurs due to swelling, excess fat, or from the diastasis of the muscles. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Tummy tuck looking larger than before surgery. Normal?

Hard to say without photos. It is also not quite clear what you had going on before the surgery. Did you have a significant separation of the rectus muscles, etc;? You are still early in the post operative course. There is a possibility of a hematoma or seroma. Best to call your plastic surgeon and let him/her know your concerns.

Upper abdominal bulge following an abdominoplasty

The upper abdominal area can be a problem. If this area is overly liposuctioned at the time of an abdominoplasty then you can have problems with healing. If the fascia was not sufficiently tightened then it can cause a bulge. It is possible that you just need some additional liposuction after you have sufficiently recovered. Talk it over with your plastic surgeon.

Bulging after tummy tuck

Please post photos because the narrative isn't clear. You may still have swelling which hasn't resolved or is going down disproportionately.

Lipo with a tummy tuck

Liposuction done too aggressively in the upper abdomen at the time of a tummy tuck can lead to severe healing problems. i am not sure whether lipo was done very conservatively or not done at all at the time. this may be the problem. residual swelling may be the problem as well. 2 months post op is still not a very long time.

Bulge in the upper abdomen after abdominoplasty

There are some doctors who say they do a full tummy tuck but do not tighten the upper abdomen like they do with the lower abdomen. If the upper abdomen is not tightened you will experience a bulge in that area. The proper thing to do is to tighten from just below the Xiphoid down to the pubic area as well as the lateral flank region. That way the abdomen will be flat as can be. It's also important to wear a corsett for at least three to six months so the sutures... more

Benjamin Chu, MD

12 reviews

Honolulu Plastic Surgeon

Upper swelling after tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

Pictures would be helpful, but it sounds as though the lower abdominal musculature was tightened more than the upper (was the upper tightened at all?). This will be hard to fix without going back to tighten the upper abs.

Swollen Abdomen After Tummy Tuck

Without seeing you in person or at least some before and after pictures, it is impossible to give you specific advice. However, the reasons for fullness in the upper abdomen are swelling, fluid collection, hematoma or incomplete muscle repair. I would suggest talking with your plastic surgeon and it should be fairly obvious which is the cause based on their examination. Good Luck.

TT Post-op

Unfortunately without pre- and post op photos it is difficult to address what may be going on-it could still be swelling post-op. You should address your concern with the your PS.