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

Question

I had diastasis, umbilical and ventral hernia. I had follow up a week later and general surgeon said my pregnancy stretched and weakened abdominal wall but he tightened everything up and repaired hernias and I would be happy in about a month when swelling went down. I still have swelling on upper left side and lower right side looking distorted 10 wks post op. I followed the rules strictly, no heavy lifting at all! is this normal?

Joshua D. Zuckerman, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

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.

William Aiello, MD · Answer

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!

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

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.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

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.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

It is normal to have swelling at 10 weeks following a hernia repair and diastasis repair. However, you did not clearly indicate whether a tummy tuck was performed or not and if only a general surgeon performed your surgery. These are important factors. Furthermore, photos would be very useful to help address your question more accurately.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to obtain a scan of the soft tissues to see if any residual fluids or released repaired areas. Best of luck.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

At 10 weeks after surgery, some swelling may be present. Your surgeon should be able to detect any fluid collections (seromas or hematomas) that could be causing this. Without a picture and physical exam, it is hard to give more specific advise.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

It is difficult to rule out a complication without a photo but postop swelling is normal, even when it looks odd to patients.  I would definitely follow up with your plastic surgeon to confirm.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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. The swelling occurs because of the interruption of venous and lymphatic channels that occurs during the tummy tuck operation.
	2. Fluid accumulation in the space between the skin and the abdominal wall muscle.  this may consist of blood ( hematoma)  or serum (seroma).  This fluid accumulation can generally be diagnosed by physical examination ( occasionally ultrasound  may be helpful).  Treatment consists of aspiration;  several episodes of aspiration may be necessary. 
	3. Separation of the abdominal wall muscle repair may lead to a swelling/bulge appearance. This may be diagnosed on physical examination  with your surgeon examining you in different bodily positions. One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication)  of the rectus muscles.  These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to &ldquo;tighten&rdquo; the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.
	4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination. Additional liposuction surgery maybe necessary to improve the results of surgery.
	Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year  (or greater)  a complete skin redraping  to occur.
	I hope this helps.

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

Answers (11)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Tummy Tuck Scar is Not As Promised by my Physician, What Should I Do?

How Can I Relieve the Itching That Originates Deep Below the Surface but the Skin is Numb After TT?

What are the best positions for sitting and sleeping after a tummy tuck surgery? (Photo)

Could Over Exertion be Causing Post Tummy Tuck Swelling?

If I Stop Smoking 2 Week Before my TT Will I Be Ok?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS