Normal to Have Stomach Swelling After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Potential causes of upper abdominal swelling after tummy tuck: 1. Normal postoperative swelling. Everyone is swollen following tummy tuck, but it is usually greater in the lower abdomen than the upper abdomen. Wearing a compression garment will help. 2. Residual excessive fat of the upper abdomen. If you had upper abdominal excess fat and did not undergo liposuction of this area, you may have some untreated abdominal protruberance. Liposuction will help. 3. Residual upper abdominal wall... more

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.

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... more

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... more

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,... more

At 2 weeks, post-op swelling is to be expected. The upper abdominal fullness can have many causes. Normal swelling from the upper abdomen not being placed in a compression garment. There could be fluid, seroma, under the flap. If you did not have liposuction at the same time there could be excess fat in the upper abdominal flap. I would go back to your surgeon and discuss your concerns.

Upper abdominal swelling is fairly common after abdomnopalsty. Usually I have patients wear an abdominal binder or liposuction garment to provide compression. This helps with the swelling.

You need to see the doctor who performed your tummy tuck. There may be fluid accumulated beneath the skin, however your flat lower tummy makes this unlikely. There may be excess fat under the upper abdominal skin which is causing the bulge-if so in time this may be removed by liposuction. The most common cause of bulging of the upper abdomen after a mini tummy tuck with a flat lower tummy is that the muscles of the upper abdomen which were not treated are lax or loose and the abdominal... more