Mommy Makeover: Q&A

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I Am 1 Week Post Op from Having a Full Tummy Tuck Along with BA. I Look Unusually Swollen Compared to Other Posts?

I am 5'4" 125 lbs 48yr old. I am one week post op to having a full tummy tuck including muscle along with BA implants 350cc silicone. I really like my PS, but my recovery isn't the same as most are describing. I had no drains and I am very swollen like I am pregnant. I was told to not touch my breasts or do any exercises and my waist wrap and support bra were removed on day 5. On my own I am wearing my workout pants to provide some support to my tummy. Should I be concerned?

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age 45-54 swollen 5 ft 4 in to 5 ft 7 in 350-399cc silicone implant 1 week post-op 110-129 lbs

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Cricket2924 in Charlotte, NC

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (1)

Cosmetic Surgery is an Art and a Science

Without an exam it is hard to answer the question. Swelling after surgery is normal and may be due to several things. Keep your post op appointments with your doctor for follow up exams. good Luck Thomas Narsete M.D. Austin, Tx

Pregnant appearance after TT ?

Swelling after tummy tuck is certainly normal, but you have to ask your PS what is normal or not. You need to evaluated in person. Seromas (fluid collections between the skin flap and the abdominal wall) are not infrequent. They are probably more frequent in patients when drains are not utilized. Seromas are easily treatable and something I, as a surgeon, would want to know about in my own patients. Compression is helpful, but not manditory in all situations... more

Swelling after tummy tuck

Without photos its hard to comment. The best person to answer your question is your surgeon. If you truly look pregnant, there is a high possibility that you have a seroma/fluid collection that will need to be drained. A seroma is not a rare complication and is usually easily treatable.

Paul Wigoda, MD

5 reviews

Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon

drwigoda.com

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You should ask these questions of your surgeon, who knows the details of your surgery, can examine you, and is responsible for your care. At one week your swelling may normal, but that is a determination your surgeon will make.

. I Look Unusually Swollen

Without photos I find it not possible to comment on the primary issue. Only a visit to your surgeon will get the right answer here. Swelling is universal Each surgeon has his/her own post-op instructions. I have my patients wear compression for 4 weeks, but frankly the main reason is to hold dressings intact without having to tape them in the early period after surgery. I think asking your surgeon about the need for massage of the implants and about... more

Postoperative Care after Mommy Makeover

Management of patients after mommy makeover does have variability. Although most plastic surgeons place drains for the tummy tuck, nothing is wrong with not placing drains. You should see your plastic surgeon if you are concerned about an abnormal amount of swelling. You need to rule out fluid collection. In addition, the plastic surgeon may or may not recommend a compression garment. I use them for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery... more

Difficult to Evaluate Swelling Without Photos

This question is difficult to answer without photos. Swelling is normal after combined procedures and recovery varies by procedure and patient. Comparisons are not accurate.

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Comments (1)

Cricket2924
4 months ago

I have no idea how to upload my photo's. I ended up calling my PS on PO day 10 because I just knew something was wrong. I started to leak out a part of my incision. He met me in the office and after exasperating almost 100 cc's of fluid, we ended up in his OR and he had to suck out the rest. Total of 600 cc's. He then placed a drain in and I'll have it removed on Wed. which it will be in for 5 days. I feel amazing now... like night and day! I am standing up straight... no longer in any pain or discomfort. I now know that if something doesn't feel right... to definitely call and go in to be looked at. Hopefully it will be happy recovery from here on in...

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