Concerned About the Look of my Recent Tummy Tuck

asked 11 months ago by Klf in San Diego, CA
Latest answer by Robert L. Kraft, MD
Question viewed 494 times
Tags: 1 week post-op, lumps, normal, suction

Hello I am 10 days post-op from a suction abdominoplasty with lipo to the flanks. My surgeon does not use drains, instead the quilting technique. It has been very hard for me to see pics and get info on the suction abdominoplasty because not very many surgeons practice this technique. My stomach is very lumpy and un-even. It feels hard to the touch so I don't believe it is seroma. I asked my doc and he just said this is normal. Is the lumpiness from the lipo and will it subside?

10 answers to Concerned About the Look of my Recent Tummy Tuck

You still have a lot of swelling

You just had surgery and need to wait till swelling resolved. You may discuss your concerns with your surgeon and may benefit from Endermologie

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Early results after tummy tuck

You have a very good result this early after surgery. One thing I have to remind my patients is that unlike patients they see on the internet or TV, I don't have an editor. I can't skip to the "After" photo. The patient has to go from before to after in real time. It is this intermediate phase that isn't on the internet or TV. This website is a good resource to learn about the in-between phase between before and after.

William A. Wallace, MD, FACS
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

After drainless tummy tuck

The result you are showing us is great, not good. That's exactly how it should look and feel after this surgery. Asking people who had the old tummy tuck, including surgeons who haven't caught on to this new technique, is an invitation to unhappiness. I've seen quilting and welling months after I performed this operation. It will go away. Ask your board certified plastic surgeon and trust her or him to tell you the truth.

Ayman Hakki, MD
Washington Plastic Surgeon

Results from Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck

10 days is way to early to start getting worried about your results. During the first few weeks after surgery your body is still healing, the tissues need to settle and the swelling needs to resolve. My suggestion is for you to continue following closely with your surgeon. Good Luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

It is too early to say ............

I agree with the other answers. It is too early to say . Wear your garmet and follow you surgeons advice. Good Luck.

Grant Stevens, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

marinaplasticsurgery.com

Post tummy tuck

You are very early in the post op period. There is significant swelling that will take up to six months to resolve. Any pressure garment will also lead to irregularities if not fitted properly. Discuss with your surgeon proper garment fitting to prevent this. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Donald Nunn, MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Firmness after Liposuction

Firm areas generally develop 10 to 12 days after liposuction. This healing ridge is normal. The area will soften on its own, but can take 6 to 8 weeks to resolve. If the area is especially firm or uncomfortably you can use ultrasound to soften it. If the surface of the skin feels smooth when you run your hand over it, the result will be nice. If there are visible divots, the area may have been over suctioned.

Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

Lumpiness after tummy tuck

At 10 days it is too early to assess the contour of your tummy after liposuction, tummy tuck, or both. If you do not have a "fluid wave" (like a waterbed), then you do not have a seroma. Lumpiness can be caused by swelling or scar tissue thickening (both of which should resolve on their own), or uneven removal of fat (which will not). It looks you you have some garment indentations, so you should be certain that your garment is fitting properly and not causing uneven... more

Robert M. Grenley, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Lumpiness After Liposuction Will Improve

The uneven nature and lumps you feel after liposuction can occur right after your procedure. They are due to - short time after your procedure - garment causing creases - normal liposuction healing Given that it's only 10 days after your procedure, some areas that are uneven are to be expected. Make sure your compression garment is not causing any creases or uneven areas. Finally, some lumps, espeically in the areas of... more

Roy Kim, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Early tummy tuck lumps

You are in the initial phase of healing and lumpiness and asymmetry is to be expected until the swelling goes down. You have to have a little patience and I think that, in the end, you will be pleased with the result.