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POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover Reviews

Pic of strange swelling.

UPDATED FROM lotsobabies

I posted a picture of the weird swelling I've been...

WORTH IT$11,735
I posted a picture of the weird swelling I've been getting. I've been really worried that something is wrong with the muscle repair but as a last resort I decided to sleep in compression again to see if it got better b/c it only happens after I eat and towards the end of the night. So....I slept in the compression garment the last 3 nights and it's always a lot better. I'm really hoping its not a MR problem and only crazy swelling. I guess time will tell.

lotsobabies's provider

Mark Craig, MD

Mark Craig, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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He has been really great. I've had to cancel so many times and worried that I was becoming a pain in his back side but instead he gave me a big hug and told me how excited he was that I finally made it. He told me that he and all his staff were ecstatic to finally do my surgery. He's very particular about his work. He will not do sx for more than 4. He said he's not willing to put his patient's health on the line.

Replies (4)

Lotsobabies - I feel it really could just be your anatomy. You appear to be sway backed like myself. Even after my revision, I still kind of look more rounded instead of flat like some of the pics I see. If you are sway backed, then the abdomen is tilted forward, which pushes the muscle forward as well. Just a thought.
ok so i just looked at your pics and you seem to have more swelling on upper belly?? area by your incision looks flat to me! sometimes its hard to tell on pics...i am very honest and i think you look great...but if your not 100% happy then i would def bring it up to your ps..he should fix what needs to be! i will pray for you that it will comes out well! i do have a small area of swelling on top but really not noticable so just going to leave that alone and can only see that if im swelled up bad at night. when do you see your ps again? i go jan 3.. pray for me please!
Thanks. I just hate that you can see this in clothes and its not attractive at all. I don't mind it and will TOTATLLY dela with it if it's only swelling. I don't go back until March :( I called today but only got to speak to the lady that schedules appointments (she's had work done by him) and she wouldn't let me talk to a nurse, just kept telling me it was nothing he did that caused it and that I need to watch my diet, and drink only water. She then goes on to tell me that he didn't repair the upper abs b/c that's a different surgery. I'm like...um yea he did...i can feel the stitches you moron. I had a ftt and that includes muscle repair, and besides that, he TOLD me he was going to repair it. I just think she had a little bit of a power high and doesn't have a clue what she's talking about. UGH! I want to call back and ask for his nurse but I feel like an A$$....?
Oh hell no! Call back and you can even demand to see him ! You have every right to make app before march! I hate those type ! It's just a power trip! I'd call say you have major concerns with results and ask to see him before march! Luckily the people that work for my dr are beyond amazing but my
Ps is very very good to me. Not sure if
It's bc he's known me since I was 5 , also my mom aunt gramma ... Best friend .. Oh there's prob more have all gone to him for procedures ! Lol . Plastic surgery runs in family I guess! But go above whoever you talked ! You have every right to have your concerns met in a timely manner! And that's bs they do muscle repair they do it all the way up! What the hell point would it be to sew back together half the muscles ! She's an idiot! Keep me posted and don't be afraid to call them and make sure you see
Him before march. Pretty sure when I go back In jan he will be fixing whatever needs to be around that time . Ugh hope it all works out for you!
UPDATED FROM lotsobabies

Ok, I am trying to be patient. And I totally will...

Ok, I am trying to be patient. And I totally will be if someone will just tell me this is normal! In the morning I'm decent but at night I am still having that weird pot belly swelling from belly button up to ribs. It's a lot worse if I've worn jeans. Also, I'm noticing that my belly seems more rounded instead of flat. From bb down it's flat and then above its got a rounded look, almost like my muscle wasn't repaired tight enough or something, even though I don't think that's it b/c i still feel tight. Look at my newest pics and tell me what you guys think. PLEASE!

Replies (12)

Lotsobabies - I was reading your last comment about looking rounded, and thought I would offer this. I had the same issue, and it ended up being some fatty tissue that had been pulled down with the skin. I had a revision a few weeks ago for that and another scar issue, and my ps did a small amount of lipo in my abs and flanks and that got rid of the rounded look. I think you have to be at least 6 months post op to do it, but it might be something you could ask your ps. If you look at my pics and my question to the dr.'s on real self (it is below my treatment review), you can see pics of my bulged look and my pics after the revlsion and lipo. Best of luck to you.
This is exactly what I was about to suggest it may be as well.
I just saw my doctor last week for my 3 mth check up and he said that was completely normal. I no longer have swelling below the belly button but now I have swelling above. He said each part will go through swelling and it just seems this part has decided to swell separate from the other part.
I hope you are right. Is your swelling also in the morning? I'm rounded even in the morning before I do anything. That's what worries me. I expect it to be worse after eating and physical activity but not in the morning. I don't know. I just really don't wanna have to have another surgery. I don't think my husband would be as supportive next time, b/c he thinks nothing is wrong with the way it looks now. What did you think of my pics?
Thank god I'm reading these post. I'm alittle over 3 weeks and I feel SOOO swollen. It's kind of a tire look from the belly button down. Inwas given a different compression to wear but I think I need something that pushes down below my belly button even more. any suggestions?
You're still in the early stages. It's definitely normal for you to be swelling, but I promise it gets much better.
Yes, mine is actually more swollen in the morning above the belly button. I can usually massage it and get it to subside a bit. My doctor said swelling can happen at anytime. For whatever reason this area has decided to be swollen right when I wake up.
The rounding looks like posture vs swelling. Do you mentally focus on "belly button touching the spine"?
Also I believe we can have swelling here and there for up to a year.
Do you mean to always keep my abs contracted? I don't do that but I can certainly start if that's what my problem is. I know after my twin pregnancy and 3 c-sections I had NO kind of strength in my abs. So it's hard getting used to working them again. They are still very weak.
if they are weak then HECK YES--tuck that belly button into your spine at all times. ALL times. Just focus on the belly button hitting your spine..we know it won't but that is the working imagery. :D
UPDATED FROM lotsobabies

Ok, I'm 9 weeks and 3 days and I've been noticing...

Ok, I'm 9 weeks and 3 days and I've been noticing a lot of swelling towards the top of my tummy. I've been having the usual swelling after sodium, I've ALWAYS had that, but I was wondering do any of the rest of you ladies this far along have pot belly swelling? Pic below. The picture doesn't show it as bad as it actually looks.

Replies (4)

I'm almost 10 weeks I have been noticing the same thing. All of the sudden I'm having little to no swelling bellow the belly button but having swelling above. It's kind of strange looking. I guess every area will end up with some type of swelling.
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. Strange looking it is..haha. Especially if I wear jeans and when I take them off the top half is all bloated out. I guess maybe it's just another step in this process.
HI

I just send you a message. I am getting ready to have a revision on my ftt bulge. did you find out what was causing you bulge because mine looks similar to yours.

thanks
Monica
Yes, I've noticed that as well. Jeans especially. It creates the strangest "Muffin Top" I've ever seen.
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