Post tummy tuck swelling - How long should it last?

It has been over 6 months after my tummy tuck and I am still very swollen, especially around my belly button area. Sticks way out when this happens. I asked my plastic surgeon if I could have a hernia, and she said no it is swelling. I haven't read that anyone has swelling like this after so many months. Can someone please help? Thanks.

5 answers to “Post tummy tuck swelling - How long...”

A: Post-abdominoplasty swelling

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

As stated there are many possible causes for the abdominal fullnes of the umbilical region. However, following tummy tuck the most likely explanation is relaxation of the diastasis repair sutures. Massage may help in resolution of the swelling. Diagnostic imaging may be useful. A second opinion is always a... more

A: Swelling after tummy tuck

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Chronic swelling after a tummy tuck can be a lot of different things. It could be untreated local fat deposits, it could still be residual swelling, it could be a seroma, it could be excess skin. You would have to be examined.

A: Swelling around belly button 6 months after tummy tuck may be fat, hernia, or lax muscles

By Brooke R. Seckel, MD - Boston Plastic Surgeon

Your doctor needs to examine you and give a good explanation-otherwise a second opinion may be necessary. If in fact you have a significant protrusion around your belly button there are many possible causes. A hernia is a possibility but I would have expected that a hernia would have been discovered during... more

A: Chronic swelling after Tummy Tuck

By Nirav Savalia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hi, It is still early, but you should not be seeing localized swelling around any one particular area. Without a picture or exam, it's impossible to say the cause, however, a hernia is not out of the question, nor is seroma, fatty deposition, or inadequate plication. Or it could be completely normal, and... more

A: Proper surgical contouring of the abdominal wall

By Jeffrey D. Hoefflin, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

While it's not unusual to still experience some swelling six months after an adominoplasty, chronic or long-term focal swelling or exaggerated protuberance of the umbilicus should introduce questions to your surgeon as to possible causes. Patients can expect that while much of the swelling associated with... more