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Bulging 2.5 Months After Tummy Tuck, Could this be More than Swelling or Water Retention? (photo)

asked 6 months ago by nathalie66 in California
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 229 times
Tags: 2 months post-op, bulge, swelling, water retention

I had a full tummy tuck on 09/02/11 + lipo of the flanks. I'm now 2.5 mo post-op.I'm concerned about a bulge going from 1in under the belly button to 2-3 inches before breasts.It feels like a pad of gel.Gets harder in afternoon.It's ugly. Surgeon said he ignores what this is, could be swelling, torn stitches or water retention.Says have to wait 2 more months.I can't understand he cannot identify.He look mystified. If torn stitches,wouldn't be all, no? Doesn't feel like water or swelling.Help!Tx

5 answers to Bulging 2.5 Months After Tummy Tuck, Could this be More than Swelling or Water Retention? (photo)

+2

Tummy tuck Swelling?

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... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Bulge of abdomen after tummy tuck

See your plastic surgeon and inquire whether he can refer you for a sonogram to rule out seroma or hematoma. What you are describing should not be attributed to late afternoon water retention.
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bulge after tummy tuck

Your phots show a localised bulge which may represent a seroma or fluid collection. Your surgeon could try to aspirate the area to see if it might resolve the issue. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bulge after Abdominoplasty

This might represent an small fluid collection called a seroma. An ultrasound can help to determine if this is a seroma. This test is not very expensive and is painless. If present, the seroma may require aspiration with a needle to drain it. This may need to be done more than once to resolve the seroma. See your plastic surgeon to discuss this.
Donald Griffin, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bulge after tummy tuck

You should definitely see your PS to discuss this bulge. It may be as simple as post operative swelling but can also be a seroma (fluid collection) or hematoma (post operative bleeding) which hold be investigated.
Delio Ortegon, MD

San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

www.sacs-sa.com

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