Can Swelling Remain in the Upper Abdomen 4 Months Post Full Tummy Tuck? (photo)

I'm wanting to know if what swelling above the belly button is normal after this many months? I wake up semi-flat (pic included) and then by the end of the day my upper abdomen looks pregnant swollen or at the very least protruded outwards. It looks strange in clothes. I'm not opposed to doing any type of exercise that will help, if there are any. I've lost weight since and am small anyway. 5'0 and 112 lbs. Is there a way to tell if the muscle repair has relaxed too much?

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Mommyof5 in Tupelo, MS

Doctor Answers (3)
Community Comments (3)

Fluctuating swelling in upper abdomen 4 months post tummy tuck

The fluctuation in size and appearance based on time of day is more indicative of swelling as a cause. At 4 months post tummy tuck, this is not an uncommon occurrence. It can take up to a year for this issue to resolve. Nevertheless, you may want to have your plastic surgeon evaluate you if you haven't been seen recently.

Swelling after abdominoplasty

When your abdomen is fairly flat in the morning, then more swollen later in the day, the cause is usually just soft tissue swelling. This can take many months to completely resolve and is often more noticeable in thinner patients because a little swelling is more easily seen in thin tissue. I would recommend that you see your plastic surgeon again for follow-up.

Donald Griffin, MD

7 reviews

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Thank you for the question and pictures. As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment. Generally, 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... more

Comments (3)

The New and Improved Me 27 Mar 2013

Hi, has this resolved? I'm 14 weeks out and I've been experiencing this for the past month.

JLM2012 8 Jan 2013

Has your issue resolved itself? I am having the same problem 13 wks out. I am so frustrated and depressed.

Mummyof4 1 May 2013

Did u have full plication? If not this may be a cause. My surgeon said he would need to tighten my muscles all the way to the top otherwise I could potentially get a bulge (such as your picture) if he did not.

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