10 Wks After Hernia Repair and "Tightening" Things Up from Diastasis, Still Have Swelling, Normal?

Thank you for your question.  Swelling after tummy tuck - or, in your case, abdominal wall reconstruction - is commonplace and can be persistent to some degree for several months.  With that in mind, localized areas of swelling may represent seroma that may warrant drainage.  I would recommend consulting directly with your plastic surgeon for the most appropriate care.

The wound healing process following abdominoplasty lasts for
over a year. Most of the swelling resolves in six to eight weeks, but small
amounts of swelling may persist for up to a year. The procedure tends to disrupt abdominal
lymphatic drainage and this causes swelling in the post-operative period.Although
soft tissue edema is the most likely cause of your findings, further studies
are indicated. The asymmetric nature of your swelling suggests possible fluid
collections. These abnormal bulges may represent seromas or possibly hematomas.
They should be investigated with ultrasound studies and possibly CT scans. When
these studies are positive, drainage should be undertaken.It’s
important that you consult your surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to evaluate
your situation and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

Hi Wannaflatummy, Swelling may still persists for a few more weeks. It's not uncommon for patients to have some degree of swelling for a few months after tummy tuck, not just a few weeks. Keep in close contact with your surgeon so they may rule out any complications like excess fluid collections. You should be fine in the coming weeks. Good luck!

If your lower abdomen was flat at first and now it is swollen this is normal. As you get more active the fluid between the cells, called interstitial fluid tends to accumulate above the scar. The scar works as a dam. It takes about 3 months for the lymphatic vessels to re-form and properly drain this dependent edema. Give it a chance and it will get better. If in doubt discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

I would continue to follow closely with your surgeon. Pl relay your concerns to him/her. More often than not, the solution is time but only a physical exam can accurately guide you. Your general surgeon has taken care of very medically necessary issues for you. I am not sure you should expect to have your tummy flat in the way a plastic surgeon would do it during an elective or cosmetic surgery. They are two entirely different procedures.