My tummy tuck was 24 days ago, and i am worried that the ridge of swelling over my incision will not go down. It still looks like i have some overhang there. Apart from this, my results are still very good, and i am pleased.
Answer: Tummy Tuck swelling at 3 weeks - very normal
Edema actually takes months to resolve after an abdominoplasty, so yes, at 3 weeks it is very normal to have noticeable swelling. An additional component that is visible at that time is the effects of the multiple layers of sutures used for closure. Within the first 2 weeks of surgery, you might have noticed that the incision looked higher than the skin around it, or that there were visible "dents" near the incision at somewhat regular intervals. These are caused by the deep dermal sutures, and they disappear as the tissue relaxes. There typically is an additional layer of sutures on a deeper fascia layer that holds tension, and this creates another ridge (about 1-2" wide) along the incision. As this layer relaxes, the visible transition from the lower abdominal skin to the upper skin also smooths out. Normally it happens in the order of 1 to 3 months, so most patients don't notice it happening. You look good at 3 weeks, so expect to continue to look better over the next several months.
Dr.B
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Tummy Tuck swelling at 3 weeks - very normal
Edema actually takes months to resolve after an abdominoplasty, so yes, at 3 weeks it is very normal to have noticeable swelling. An additional component that is visible at that time is the effects of the multiple layers of sutures used for closure. Within the first 2 weeks of surgery, you might have noticed that the incision looked higher than the skin around it, or that there were visible "dents" near the incision at somewhat regular intervals. These are caused by the deep dermal sutures, and they disappear as the tissue relaxes. There typically is an additional layer of sutures on a deeper fascia layer that holds tension, and this creates another ridge (about 1-2" wide) along the incision. As this layer relaxes, the visible transition from the lower abdominal skin to the upper skin also smooths out. Normally it happens in the order of 1 to 3 months, so most patients don't notice it happening. You look good at 3 weeks, so expect to continue to look better over the next several months.
Dr.B
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Tummy tuck Swelling?
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 venous and lymphatic channels that occurs during the tummy tuck operation.
2. Fluid accumulation in the space between the skin and the abdominal wall muscle. this may consist of blood ( hematoma) or serum (seroma). This fluid accumulation can generally be diagnosed by physical examination ( occasionally ultrasound may be helpful). Treatment consists of aspiration; several episodes of aspiration may be necessary.
3. Separation of the abdominal wall muscle repair may lead to a swelling/bulge appearance. This may be diagnosed on physical examination with your surgeon examining you in different bodily positions. One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication) of the rectus muscles. These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.
4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination. Additional liposuction surgery maybe necessary to improve the results of surgery.
Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year (or greater) a complete skin redraping to occur.
I hope this helps.
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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 venous and lymphatic channels that occurs during the tummy tuck operation.
2. Fluid accumulation in the space between the skin and the abdominal wall muscle. this may consist of blood ( hematoma) or serum (seroma). This fluid accumulation can generally be diagnosed by physical examination ( occasionally ultrasound may be helpful). Treatment consists of aspiration; several episodes of aspiration may be necessary.
3. Separation of the abdominal wall muscle repair may lead to a swelling/bulge appearance. This may be diagnosed on physical examination with your surgeon examining you in different bodily positions. One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication) of the rectus muscles. These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.
4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination. Additional liposuction surgery maybe necessary to improve the results of surgery.
Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year (or greater) a complete skin redraping to occur.
I hope this helps.
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November 9, 2011
Answer: Post op tummy tuck swelling Based on the photograph, you have a lot of residual swelling. You need to give it some time to go down. As for the scarring, you will be entering the inflammatory phase of scar healing soon and can expect the scar to become a bit more obvious until it settles down. Just be patient and reassess the results in a few months.
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Answer: Post op tummy tuck swelling Based on the photograph, you have a lot of residual swelling. You need to give it some time to go down. As for the scarring, you will be entering the inflammatory phase of scar healing soon and can expect the scar to become a bit more obvious until it settles down. Just be patient and reassess the results in a few months.
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September 1, 2015
Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck.
Swelling can last up to a year after surgery. Be patient and take it easy until then. 24 days seems like a ling time post op but it really isn't even a month!
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Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck.
Swelling can last up to a year after surgery. Be patient and take it easy until then. 24 days seems like a ling time post op but it really isn't even a month!
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February 17, 2011
Answer: Swelling 3 weeks after tummy tuck is entirely normal
It is expected and normal to have swelling following a tummy tuck, and that can make the area above your incision look puffy. The swelling in your photo looks entirely within the normal range of postoperative swelling. This should improve with time. If it does not, or if there seem to be focal areas of swelling, it is possible you have a fluid collection called a seroma. Your surgeon will be able to determine if this is the case when he or she examines you.
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Answer: Swelling 3 weeks after tummy tuck is entirely normal
It is expected and normal to have swelling following a tummy tuck, and that can make the area above your incision look puffy. The swelling in your photo looks entirely within the normal range of postoperative swelling. This should improve with time. If it does not, or if there seem to be focal areas of swelling, it is possible you have a fluid collection called a seroma. Your surgeon will be able to determine if this is the case when he or she examines you.
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