Should I Be More Proactive About Swelling After Tummy Tuck?

I had a Tummy Tuck 12 weeks ago. My lower abdomen is unnaturally swollen. I had it aspirated 1 ½ weeks ago; only 18ccs were removed. I look like I need 1 pint drained. My PS says my body will eventually absorb the fluid. Are there negative outcomes possible by not taking a more proactive approach to this depressing situation?

I had tumescent/ultrasound liposuction at the same time. Overall, 2 ½ lb. of fat and ½ lb of skin were removed. Can anything be done to get rid of this NOW? I looked much better before the surgery. The shape of my abdomen is unnatural now. Thank you.

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swelling recovery

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by BagleyFleming in Fishers, IN , USA

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Persistent lower abdominal fluid collection after tummy tuck

Some patients have a greater tendency for flud accumulation resulting in seroma formation. This may require repeated aspiration after drain removal or even a second drain to be placed. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Several possible explanations

The first step would be to investigate if you have fluid in your lower abdomen that needs to be drained. If the first aspiration was done without ultrasound guidance, there are two possibilities -- there was only a very small amount of fluid or only a portion of the fluid was aspirated. If a significant amount of fluid is present, it will not resorb and may become a chronic collection or become infected. I would consider your first step to be an ultrasound, followed by aspiration if any... more

Time will help, but there are a few things you can do now to reduce tummy tuck swelling

Hi, Check with your plastic surgeon to see if there is any additional fluid that can be removed from the abdomen. If not, wearing a garment similar to the one that you probably wore after liposuction can be very helpful. I usually place my patients into these garments after removing their drains, and I find that it prevents fluid collection and helps to speed the resolution of their swelling. Following liposuction, swelling can persist for 3, 6, or even 12 months. Every patient is... more

Swelling after a tummy tuck

Tummy tuck surgery is a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. After this procedure, patients should understand that there is a significant recovery process. In our practice, we commonly provide the patient with two separate compression garments to help them manage the swelling that they will experience. Patients should expect to have bruising and swelling that may last upwards to six months. In our experience, the compression garment is essential in managing the... more