Swelling over Tummy Tuck Incision

Over my Tummy Tuck incision line, my belly sticks out about an inch. I think it is swelling, but I am not sure! How can I tell, and how long is this normal for? I am 7 weeks post op.

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2 Doctor Answers | Asked by happyme in annapolis, md

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Lower abdominal swelling following an abdominoplasty

Thanks for the question. Swelling in the lower abdomen following a tummy tuck is a normal finding and may persist, in my experience, for up to 4 months. Having said that, you want to rule out any underlying causes of swelling, such as a seroma( fluid collection), which require drain management by your surgeon. Another factor that can contribute to lower abdominal swelling is the fat distribution which your abdomen had prior to the surgery. If you happen to carry more fat around the... more

Likely swelling

This may be swelling and a 7 weeks there is a significant chance that it will improve with time. You want to be sure there is not a seroma (fluid accumulation) that needs to be drained. Ask your plastic surgeon what he thinks. An indication that this would benefit from drainage would be if there were shifting of the swelling when turning from side to side.