Bulging Lower Abdomen Post-Tummy Tuck

This may relfect the fatty layer thickness of the upper abdomen which has been transposed to the lower abdomen. In this case liposuciton is mot performed tha first time around due to concerns wiht vascularity. Alternatively, it may be that your muscles are reapporximated but that you need to perform core strengthening excercises. Lastly it could be intra-abdominal fat and now you are talking geneeral surgery

This is an excellent question as this concern comes up quite often after this type of surgery. 

There are likely two issues here. First and foremost, at 6 weeks you are still very early in the healing period. Most patients have residual swelling which lasts a minimum of 4 months and in some cases, up to 6 months. Second, as mentioned by my colleague, it is likely that the thicker upper abdomen has been transposed to the lower abdomen, thus contributing to lower abdominal fullness. This type of anatomy is a common finding, thus we educate our patients pre-procedurally that they may require a second-stage lipoplasty to obtain optimal results.  For now, I recommend patience, commencement of light exercise, and sound nutrition.

Warmest Regards,

Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS

The area of the lower abdomen, just above your incision is the last place you will lose your swelling. I frequently see patients have intermittent swelling for up to 4-6 months after surgery. Remember this is the most dependent portion of your skin flap and until your body and rebuild the lymphatic channels ( that take away swelling) you will intermittently see fullness there.