16 days post tummy tuck, feel like I'm pregnant, is this swelling normal? (photo)

Question

I keep being told to give it six weeks but my skin is getting so tight with the swelling in scared my skin will stretch and sag when it eventually goes. I'm so scared and uncomfortable. I'm noticing I'm more swollen on the right side round to my hip. Had TT on 6th jan 2014, drains were kept in for 6 days and then I flew back home on 16th. Please help, I'd be so grateful.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture.  It is not unreasonable to have swelling at this point but you may have a seroma since your drain was removed at 6 days.  You should revisit with your PS.Dr. ES

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. As you likely know, your plastic surgeon will be your best resource for precise diagnosis...

Generally speaking, 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. 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 “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline. Separation of the abdominal wall plication is very unusual.

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.

Best wishes.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Thanks for your picture and question.  Without an exam, it is difficult to know if your increase in size is due to swelling or to a seroma (fluid collection).  A seroma will not resolve itself on its own and may need to be drained.  You do need to be examined.

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

Swelling at 2 or 3 weeks after tummy tuck is typical. Normal swelling will take weeks to resolve. However based on your photo I would be concerned about a Seroma or distinct fluid pocket. This is not uncommon and usually is easily drained. Try to find a local surgeon to see you. Maybe your original surgeon knows someone in your town.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You have a serious issue of expanding seroma that needs operative drainage and complete follow up care. Maybe you should fly back to the operative country for care, that is the high risks of "medical tourism" surgery. Or "try" to find a boarded local USA PS, but you will be charged at least a few $$$$$.

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16 days post tummy tuck, feel like I'm pregnant, is this swelling normal? (photo)

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Answer: 16 days post tummy tuck, feel like I'm pregnant, is this swelling normal?

Answer: 16 days post tummy tuck, feel like I'm pregnant, is this swelling normal?

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