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Is it Normal to Still be Swollen 4 Months Post-Op Tummy Tuck w/o Lipo?

I had an endoscopic tummy tuck w/o lipo or skin removal in mid-June 2011. I am petite at 95 Ibs. and 5'3. When I try to exercise, vacuum, or for no reason, I experience swelling. I can tell it's swelling b/c it is exactly over the area that was worked on. Outside of this area stays normal. I have read that lipo prolongs swelling but since I didn't have that, why am I still swollen? When will this get better? Surgeon tells me 6 mos. but I am getting worried because progress has seemingly stopped.

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by J.H. in NC

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Swelling after tummy tuck

It is not unusual to have swelling still present even several months after a tummy tuck. The swelling is often variable: changing from day to day. Most patients experience swelling later in the afternoon after being up on their feet all day. The swelling is often much less obvious early in the morning. One must also be sure that the swelling is not from a fluid collection called a seroma. Serous fluid can sometimes collect in the space created during the operation... more

Swelling after "endoscopic" tummy tuck.

I have to assume that what you essentially had was a muscle repair through an endoscopic technique. With out any skin removal and no lipo, this is not exactly a tummy tuck but rather a diastasis correction. It is possible to swell along the midline where the undermining was performed to correct the diastasis. It can take upwards of 6 months for this to resolve, however it could also be related to a fluid collection or even a recurrence of the diastasis. Best advice is to see your... more

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Thin Patients Show Fluid Easily

Exercise will create swelling in the surgical area until the body as created new lymphatis to drain the fluid, usually 6 months. A petite person will show small amounts of swelling that might be concealed on a larger frame. Most likely you are not yet at the end point of your result.

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Post tummy tuck swelling

Even though we wish that the swelling would go away sooner, it can last for up to six months. It is likely more noticeable on a person with a petite frame like yourself. Even if no liposuction was performed during your operation and it was performed endoscopically, it was still surgery. If after the six month point, the result still disturbs you, then definitely return to your plastic surgeon for a discussion.

Is it Normal to Still be Swollen 4 Months Post-Op Tummy Tuck w/o Lipo?

Swelling can take several months to completely resolve, even 6-8 months. If the swelling comes and goes, it will eventually resolve. If the swelling is always there, it should also eventually resolve if it is swelling in the tissues or scar tissue thickening from the procedure. However, if there is (or was after surgery, particularly after the drains were removed) the feeling of a fluid accumulation or a wave-like phenomenon (you push on one portion and the other portion... more

Swelling 4 months after Tummy Tuck

It is certainly possible to have swelling 4 months after a tummy tuck. It is also possible to have a fluid collection, however, that may be amenable to easy removal in the office or surgically if necessary. An ultrasound may help define if a fluid collection is present, if there is a question. Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon for further evaluation.

Swelling after tummy tuck

It may take longer than 6 months for edema to resolve. Exercise and massage should help. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Sureon.

Donald Nunn, MD, DDS

3 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Swelling can persist for quite a while

Hello, I would give it some more time as it does sound as it is swelling related. Swelling will continue to improve. Certain healing events such as pseudobursa or seroma may need to be addressed. Maintain your follow up schedule with your plastic surgeon as he/she can guide you through this process. All the best, Dr Repta

Swelling after Tummy Tuck Surgery

Thank you for your question. Yes, it is quite normal to have swelling up to 6 months post op Tummy Tuck Surgery.. sometimes even up to one year (especially after exercising). I would recommend that you keep in close communication with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions. I hope this helps.

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