Normal to Have Stomach Swelling After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Paula,
It is normal to have generalized swelling after surgery, especially for several weeks. However, what you are describing seems excessive. The area upper area could be full from swelling or it could be full from fluid collection. It is important that you see your surgeon so he or she can examine you to tell for sure. Even if you had drains placed after surgery, fluid may still collect after they are removed. If it is fluid, it can usually be removed in a simple office procedure. The other concerns are that the plication of your fascia was either 1) not done or 2) came apart.
The plication holds your abdominal muscles together to give your abdomen a flatter shape. Some surgeons chose not to do the plication since it may prolong recovery time. However, the plication is very important to achieve the final shape of the abdomen. Additionally, if you only had a "mini tummy tuck," then the tightness in the lower abdomen sometimes pushes out making the upper abdomen bulge out. You should talk to your surgeon to clarify these issues.
I hope this was helpful.

Dear Paula,

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about your recent tummy tuck surgery. It's entirely normal to experience swelling following this type of procedure, especially in the early stages of recovery.

Swelling is a natural response of the body to trauma, and it's to be expected after surgery like a tummy tuck. The swelling typically peaks within the first few days to weeks after the procedure and gradually subsides over the following weeks and months.

In your case, it's not unusual to notice differences in swelling between the upper and lower abdomen. Swelling tends to accumulate in different areas depending on factors such as the extent of the surgery, individual anatomy, and fluid distribution.

The fact that you're experiencing fullness in the upper abdomen and flatness in the pubic region is likely due to the redistribution of fluids and swelling. As your body continues to heal, the swelling should gradually decrease, and you may notice a more balanced appearance over time.

It's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully, including wearing compression garments as recommended and avoiding strenuous activities that could exacerbate swelling. Additionally, keeping well-hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can help support the healing process and reduce swelling.

However, if you have any concerns or if you notice any unusual symptoms such as excessive pain, redness, or drainage from the incision site, it's essential to contact your surgeon promptly for further evaluation.

In conclusion, experiencing swelling after a tummy tuck is entirely normal and part of the healing process. With time and proper care, you should see improvements in your abdominal contour as the swelling resolves.

Wishing you a smooth recovery and the best results from your tummy tuck surgery.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

An upper
abdominal bulge following abdominoplasty can occur for a variety of
reasons.In someone who’s two weeks
post-op, swelling is the most likely cause of this bulge.In most cases, swelling resolves in six to
eight weeks, but small amounts of swelling may persist for up to a year.Patients can minimize swelling with
compression garments, massage and limitations on activity level.It’s important to remember that swelling is a
normal part of wound healing and should resolve with time.If this problem persists, structural
defects need to be considered as possible causes for this problem.These include abdominal wall hernias,
separation of the upper abdominal wall muscle repair, excess subcutaneous fat,
excess intra-abdominal fat, fat necrosis, over tightening of the lower
abdominal muscles and chronic seroma formation.Unfortunately, it’s not possible to
determine the cause of your upper abdominal bulge without a physical
examination.In some cases, additional
studies may be necessary to determine the exact cause of this problem.This may require a CT scan or possibly
ultrasound studies.Under these circumstances, it’s
appropriate to consult your plastic surgeon.Your surgeon can hopefully determine the cause and address the problem.

Swelling normally takes a few weeks to subside. On average, most of the swelling goes away after about 3 months, and depending on the extent of surgery, this may even take up to 6 months. A full tummy tuck will involve a lengthier recovery period than a mini. During these weeks and months, you'll notice the swelling gradually lessening and can affect just some parts of your abdomen, as you are currently experiencing.In the meantime, follow your surgeon's post-surgery care instructions and wear your compression garment as recommended. Your garment will help control swelling by encouraging your body to absorb and eliminate fluids that are causing the swelling. Here are some other tips to deal with swelling:stay well hydrated and go to the washroom regularlyavoid salty foods and eat healthilyget plenty of rest, but also try to move around a bit at a leisurely pace to keep your circulation going when you're not lying downonce you have adequately recovered, you can consider lymphatic massage, but only with your surgeon's advice 

Bulging or Swelling of upper abdomen following  Tummy Tuck
There can be more than one reason but the most common explanations are as follows: 

Residual fat in upper abdomen (can be corrected by liposuction)                                          Excessive swelling or seroma

Relative Laxity of the upper abdomen. When the muscles are tightened on the lower tummy, this compresses by pushing in the abdominal contents (e.g. your intestines and other abdominal organs). The volume has to go somewhere so if the upper muscles are not also tightened to the same tension as the lower ones they will bulge. Those patients with decreased muscle tone (non athletes) are more prone to have this occur.. A simple exam by your plastic surgeon will confirm this or identify other causes.

There are many potential causes for this.

Mini tummy tucks commonly have this appearance
Seroma of upper abdomen
Constrictive garments which create a tourniquet effect on the upper abdomen
Many other causes

in any event contact your physician to perform and examination and provide you with a definitive answer.

Yes some swelling is normal, however an examination can best determine if it is from a fluid collection, excess fat or muscle that is bulging.  Best of luck, Dr. Michael OmidiAn in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and provide true medical advice.

Swelling is a normal aspect of any surgical procedure. This can be asymmetric. There are also other causes of swelling such as a fluid collection or a hematoma. If there are questions you should see your plastic surgeon.

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.

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.

4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination.

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.

Some swelling after a tummy tuck is to be expected.
The most important thing is to notify your surgeon of your concerns and have him assess your abdomen. He or she will be able to tell you if the swelling is just normal post-operative swelling (and should subside on its own); if its a fluid or blood collection (in which case it may need to be removed); or if it is the result of sutures having come undone.
Your plastic surgeon will want to know of your concerns.

Best-
Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS
Board Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
MIAMI AESTHETIC SURGERY
305-576-3443