Tummy Tuck - What Should I Do if I Look Bloated and Fat After Tummy Tuck?

Regarding: "Tummy Tuck - What Should I Do if I Look Bloated and Fat After Tummy Tuck? It has been 6 mo. since my tummy tuck, my stomach is looking bloated and fat... I want anouther tuck? Should i get anouther one? I thinck if i exercise it will flatten? But, I dont know what exersice should i do?" Without an examination, much less a photo, it is impossible to tell you why you feel "bloated". There are several potential reasons, some of which you may not want to hear more

Another tummy tuck is almost certainly NOT the answer! With the help of your surgeon, determine the causes of your "fullness" and "bloating."  Make sure the causes are not surgical. There can be many reasons for which the solution(s) may not be surgical. For example, the answers may have to do with diet and exercise.

This depends on what was done the first time. Was the muscles repaired? Was liposuction also performed? Was there a seroma after the first surgery? Most importantly, HOW MUCH FAT DID YOU HAVE INSIDE YOUR BELLY in between the inside organs? Have another Evaluation by a BOARD CERTIFIED Plastic Surgeon.

This is a tough question to answer without seeing you preoperatively or postoperatively. Most swelling after surgery usually subsides within the first few months. Some of my patients that I perform a tummy tuck on will need a second stage liposuction of the abdominal flap. I stage them because I think it is safer.

Consider working out with a personal trainer who is experienced and can instruct you using a Pilates core strenghtening exercise regimen before you schedule another surgical procedure.  see video

You may be experiencing swelling still in the abdominal region.  You definitely want to consult with your Plastic Surgeon though. always remember that diet and exercise are always important in life. Good luck!

Unfortunately, many people believe that plastic surgery is an alternative to diet and exercise. This of course, in not true. A tummy tuck addresses some of the the skin and fat on the abdominal wall but, in order to achieve the optimal results it must be supplemented by diet and exercise to strengthen the abdominal wall muscles and burn the residual "visceral" or "mesenteric" fat that reside around the intra-abdominal organs. This is what may... more

A tummy tuck will remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal wall and only the abdominal wall.  Most of the time laxity of the fascia that embraces the muscles of the abdomen is repaired.  However, if the patient has excess fat within the abdominal cavity, only weight loss will allow further flattening of the stomach.

The answer to this question depends on what we find during your examination. Your 'bloating' may be caused by excessive intra-abdominal fat, abdominal skinflap swelling, being overweight, or loss of midline plication.  

It is not uncommon for some swelling to persist for up to 1 year after abdominoplasty.  You should be able to exercise without restriction at  6 months, including sit ups.  Follow-up with your plastic surgeon to check on your condition. 

Great question. The answer depends on the type of talk that you have received and your body habitus. Make a plan with your plastic surgeon and review the procedure you have done as well as your goals. Your plastic surgeon may be able to tell you if a plication of the underlying musculature has been performed and if liposuction was also performed in these areas. If this is the case, your plastic surgeon should work with you and a nutritionist to establish a healthy diet and direct you to... more

Hello,  Assuming you had a good surgeon provide your tummy tuck surgery, then the answer is diet and exercise first. See where you are in six months to a year. Do this only if your surgeon gives you the OK of course.