Question
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.
Answers (1)
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August 6, 2008
Proper surgical contouring of the abdominal wall
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 either liposuction or tummy tuck procedures usually resolves within three to six months, total resolution and softening of the surgical scar can often require up to one year.
During the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure, your surgeon usually performs a plication (abdominal wall tightening), and trimming of the excess fat around the umbilical stalk. If the plication sutures become loose, if the rectus facias around the umbilicus is not plicated, or the stalk is not adequately trimmed, then you can expect a postoperative bulge around the umbilicus.
My suggestion is continued periodic evaluation by your surgeon for several more months. If, at that point, your swelling is solely confined to the belly button area, I think it's reasonable to have a discussion regarding possible surgical management.
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10/2/08
I had a tummy tuck May of 2007 & within 2 months I developed a swollen area. It grew & got harder. It was uncomfortale, specailly aafter I sat of long periods. It stuck out. Everytime I asked my surgeon about it, he said it was normal swelling. My GYN found it odd & ordered an MRI (10 months later) & it turned out to be a 10 inch long, 8 inches wide & 4 inches deep, seroma. I had a second tuck & a seroma removal July 2008. Herein I write 2 months late & I look & fell great, there is very little swelling left. Tenderness around the scar but no big deal.Listen to your body, if this swelling continues & your surgeon ignores it as mine did & blames it on the normal swelling. Get a second opinion. Good luck!