Swelling Above Incision 1 Month After Tummy Tuck, Is this Normal? (photo)

asked 5 months ago by Achilds in Frankfort, KY
Latest answer by Robert Brueck, MD
Question viewed 589 times
Tags: 1 month post-op, normal, swelling

I had a TT about a month ago. I didn't have massive weight loss, lost about 50 pounds over a year or so, but there was loose skin from having 3 big babies too. I still have my drain in because I am draining over 20cc a day. I see my board certified PS on a regular basis. My concern today is the swelling above the TT incision. Is this normal? It feels like it's getting worse too.

8 answers to Swelling Above Incision 1 Month After Tummy Tuck, Is this Normal? (photo)

Swelling post tummy

This is normal and given enough time will go down.Heat and massage would help it go down quicker.Also wearing some compression directly over the incision would help too.

Robert Brueck, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck results and swelling.

At one month postop, it is common to have persistent swelling in the upper abdominal flap. However, if the fullness persits, you may need a revision. If you do need a revision, it will likely be in the lateral areas of your abdomen. Continued close followup is encouraged. At 20cc a day, your drains may be ready to be removed and your plastic surgeon will do this when they feel it is time.

David Bogue, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Swelling/fullness after tummytuck

It is not unusual to see this type of full appearance so soon after tummytuck surgery. there can be a few different reasons for it, but it sounds like your surgeon is on top of things and monitoring the situation closely. this situation can sometimes take months to abate, so you may have to be a little patient. compression garments might be useful at some point...your surgeon will decide when and if to utilize them. stick with your surgeon and you should have a nice result in the end...... more

Bruce K. Barach, MD
Schenectady Plastic Surgeon

drbarach.com

Swelling after tummy tuck

Thanks for your question. Good job to you for closely following up with your surgeon. I usually get drains out when the output is less than 30 cc/24 hours but we each have different criteria. As for your swelling above the incision, it is still early after surgery and it is hard to know if it is tissue swelling or retained adipose tissue in the flap. Next time you visit your surgeon ask he/she if they would reccomend more compression.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after tummy tuck can be very normal

Swelling above the incision line at one month post-op may be entirely normal. I am glad that you are seeing your plastic surgeon on a regular basis as he or she is in the best position to determine this. If your surgeon does not feel there is a pocket of fluid (seroma) to be drained, then you are likely experiencing routine swelling. Routine swelling tends to be minimal upon rising in the morning and increases as the day progresses, especially if you are on your feet all day... more

Michael S. Hopkins, MD
Albuquerque Plastic Surgeon

www.hopkinsplasticsurgery.com

Draining one month after tummy tuck

Many of us do not use drains after tummy tuck, and for those who feel they need to, drains are removed after about five days or so. The drain after one month is not what most patients would be comfortable with, and is much to ask of them. We can't say what has caused the fullness in the lower abdomen, incomplete muscle plication, a thick skin flap, need of liposuction over the hip. The drain and full healing should come first. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Prolonged swelling after tummy tuck

Thank you for your photos. It appears that you have both swelling in the soft tissues as well as some fluid that hasn't completely drained as well. This is evidenced by the continued output in your drains, which is not 100% efficient at removing all the fluid. It seems as though your surgeon is following this swelling closely, therefore you may simply need more time and patience at this point. I would continue a dialog with your surgeon as well as voice any... more

Tito Vasquez, MD
Southport Plastic Surgeon

www.ctpsg.com

Swelling after Tummy Tuck?

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