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Lopsided Tummy Tuck

asked 1 year ago by tamarab in oregon
Latest answer by Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Question viewed 435 times
Tags: lopsided

Should my Tummy Be Almost Lopsided? it has been 2 weeks since surgery, i did have lipo and tightening along with my tt- and i know swelling is normal, but it feels like i have about a gallon of fluid in my tummy and its mostly off to my right side, my scar is pooched out in that are as well, its like my belly and that area are one, there is no distinction.I have been wearing my garment everyday except to shower for 15 minutes, i just hope it all goes back to normal soon

13 answers to Lopsided Tummy Tuck

Lopsided after Tummy Tuck

I must concur with Dr. Blinski. It sounds as if you have a fluid collection or seroma. This may explain the lopsided appearance and feeing of fluid. Yes, swelling is normal 2 weeks after a tummy tuck, people who are swollen do not complain of a sensation of fluid. You should see your surgeon and don't be suprised if he recommends draining the fluid with a needle. This may have to be done multipel times (once or twixe per week) or you may need a drain replaced.

Matthew Schulman, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Massive swelling on one side of the abdomen 2 weeks after a tummy tuck

From your description, it sounds like you may have an accumulation of fluid deep to the skin which is called a seroma - which other respondents have mentioned, You did not state whether or not you had drains placed following surgery and if so, how long they were in. Has your surgeon seen you recently? Have you called his/her office. My recommendation would be to contact their office immediately and be seen. If it is indeed a seroma, this will need to be drained (probably several times).... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Lopsided swelling after a tummy tuck

Swelling on one side of the abdomen two weeks after tummy tuck sounds like a fluid collection called a seroma. Seroma is not common but can occur from time to time. Your surgeon should see you and drain the collection if there. You will feel better and recover faster when the fluid is drained. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Lopsided Tummy Tuck

From your description you have fluid(seroma) accumulated on the right side. This sould be drained and a drain should be left in for about ten days. The sooner this is done the better. If fluid is left in without drainage, it can form a pocket called bursa and it will never go away unless it is excised surgically. Go back to the doctor as soon as possible.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD
Morristown Plastic Surgeon

Seroma After Tummy-Tuck and Liposuction

From your description, it sounds like you may have a seroma ( fluid collection) on that one side. An easy way to test is to push on the area while resting your hand on the other end of the swollen area. If you feel a wave, or what feels like a waterbed effect of fluid moving, then there is a fluid collection. This effect does not always occur, but if it does happen, it means that their is trapped fluid in the area that probably needs to be drained percutaneously. ... more

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD
Barrington Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Seroma

It does sound like you have a seroma, but without returning to your original surgeon you can't rule out infection or other issue. If it is a seroma, it will resolve with aspiration or drain placement as mentioned. It is likely not something you have created with your garment/activity/other. It is just one of those things that happens sometimes. As long as it is addressed it will not affect your outcome. If left to take care of itself it will lead to more... more

Byron D. Poindexter, MD
Reston Plastic Surgeon

Uneven swelling after a TT

Swelling after an abdominoplasty takes several months to subside. While slight asymmetries in the swelling occasionaly occur, a marked difference raises the question of a seroma. If you tap one side of the swollen area and see a wave (not a jiggle) across it then you have a seroma that needs to be drained. It will likely need to be done several times if this is the case. If it persists a drain may need to be inserted. In any case you should see your... more

Lori H. Saltz, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.ljcsc.com

Lopsided Tummy Tuck

Sorry I do not agree with the previous expert posters. I feel you have retained fluid or seroma, "it feels like i have about a gallon of fluid". THAT says it all. Best to immediately return to your chosen surgeon. You may need a drainage or drain placement. In my opinion based upon the limited info. I would drain or aspirate this fluid. Did you have drains placed? Awaiting a photo and answer on the drains. If you start to get a fever or increased pain seek immediate medical care. more

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after tummy tuck

Fluid often times accumulates after surgery and may cause asymmetry as well. If you do not have any drains or they have been removed, I would consult with your surgeon to monitor your symptoms.

Lawrence C. Lin, MD
Long Island Plastic Surgeon

Swelling

It is very normal for there to be some asymmetric swelling in your abdomen. However there should not be a fluid wave or accumulation of fluid you can see.

Marc Schneider, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Symmetry In Abdominoplasty Incisions

One of the key elements in an abdominoplasty is incision placement and symmetry. This requires careful planning and placement not only anatomic measurements, but also a guided and experienced eye using both pre-operative measurements as well as intraoperative refinement so that you end up with a symmetric incision. It is important to mark these patients especially if they have significant skin laxity both in standing and seating positions as well as intraoperatively to prevent incision... more

Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

It is too early to tell if this is a serious problem

Patients having abdominoplasty are prepared to carry drains even up to 7 days after the surgery. Surgical drains may be removed in as little as 3 to 5 days or as long as 15 days. Many patients report it quite uncomfortable, but definitely necessary step after this surgery. The reason behind it is to avoid collection of the fluid called seroma that can cause swelling and unevenness of the skin. Patient will be asked to measure the amounts of fluid every day. Based on the given... more