Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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What is Normal Swelling After a Tummy Tuck?

I am just curious about what is normal swelling and what is the sign of a problem. I had my tummy tuck three days ago. Yesterday when I removed all dressing my stomach was flat and no swelling. By the evening below my belly button and past incision is swollen up like a softball.

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by gia4462 in Baltimore, MD

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Swelling after tummy tuck

If you truly have swelling resembling a football below your belly button you should contact your plastic surgeon and plan on being seen. There is a normal amount of swelling after an abdominoplasty but this should not affect the overall contour improvement that you noticed soon after surgery. In my opinion swelling is maximal at about 48 - 72 hours after surgery and will then begin to slowly subside. How much swelling is "normal" will depend on how much surgery was done,... more

Ralph R. Garramone, MD

9 reviews

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Swelling is normal after tummy tuck.

It is normal to see swelling after tummy tuck; the swelling is more common in the dependent position such as lower abdomen and pubic region. Especially toward the end of day or if you have been active during the day, you would see more swelling. It will take up to 2-3 months for all the swelling/edema to disappear. However, if you see a sudden swelling or persistent swelling, you may want to see your plastic surgeon to rule out hematoma/seroma. Also, follow your... more

Swelling after tummy tuck

While it is normal to have swelling after a tummy tuck, this usually is present immediately after the surgery. If you have new swelling that appeared 2 days after the surgery, you may be seeing fluid accumulation such as a seroma, or possibly bleeding. You should let your plastic surgeon know so that he can examine you. Sincerely, Martin Jugenburg, MD

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Swelling after Tummy Tuck Surgery?

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

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