Is pouched-look after Tummy Tuck swelling?

Is the pouched look 4 weeks after tummy tuck just swelling? I had a full Tummy Tuck 4 weeks ago and now I'm nervous because I still look like I have a pouch. Will it go away?

Sort: Date | Helpful
9 answers to “Is pouched-look after Tummy Tuck...”

A: Contour Problems After Tummy Tuck

Steven H. Williams, MD

Thanks for your question -It is common to have abdominal swelling after abdominoplasty.  Four weeks usually is enough time from some of the swelling to begin to improve. When thinking about abdominal contour here are things to consider:Skin envelopeAbdominal fat (subcutaneous and intrabdominal)Muscles... more

A: Pouch 4 weeks after abdominoplasty is not normal.

George J. Beraka, MD

Hi! Unfortunately, this does not sound like swelling.  From your description, either you have a seroma (fluid collection) or you had incomplete correction during surgery. The first thing to do is have a sonogram which will tell your doctor if you have any liquid which needs to be aspirated.  If a... more

A: Still very early, but likely just some swelling

Shahram Salemy, MD

Assuming you have to fluid collection present, such as a seroma, you likely just have some normal swelling that will resolve on its own with time.  To be safe, I would see your surgeon so he can examine you to verify this.  If there is some fluid present, however, he may want to aspirate it to... more

A: Reasons for a pouch after a tummy tuck

Robert M. Freund, MD

 1- swelling- should go away within 3-6 months 2-Scar contraction at the suture line can cause the incision to indent - this will make the tummy look like it has a bulge. 3-Hematoma or seroma - a collection of blood or fluid that will give a bulge - either way, the fluid should be removed. see your doctor... more

A: Picture please?

Scott E. Kasden, MD

There will be swelling aftetr the procedure, but you should see a significant improvement right after surgery.  If you were to send a frontal, quarter and side view, I would be able to be more specific. sek

A: You still have swelling

Richard P. Rand, MD

 You should check with your doctor to be sure you don't have a seroma, which is a collection of fluid after the drain has been removed.  Otherwise, this is probably swelling that should improve over the next few months.

A: Wait a full two months

Francisco Canales, MD

Hello In our Santa Rosa abdominoplasty practice, we tell patients to wait two months before judging a final result.  The pouch you refer to could be just residual swelling. It could also be a fluid collection called a seroma, so go back to your surgeon and make sure there is no fluid that needs to be... more

A: "Pouching "after Tummy Tuck

Barry H. Dolich, MD

A "tummy tuck" done in surgeon A's o.r. can be very different from that done in surgeon B's. Was aggressive suction of the flanks or sculpting of the mons area done because thy can add to the swelling. In any case swelling does not completely resolve until 3 to 6 months.

A: Discuss with your surgeon

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

I would discuss it further with your plastic surgeon. It is too early to look at the final result. In cases where a large abdominal flap was present before surgery, the upper abdomen might still have some bulge due to intra-abdominal fat content.

Post your question

Tummy tuck before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.