After 7 Weeks Post Op I Still Feel Swollen - Is This Normal or This is my Final Result?

Question

I wear my garment 24/7 except to bath, I am scared that if I stop using it I will mess up the healing process and I the swelling wont go away... now I am not sure if this is swelling or just the way its going to look. I used to be flat with extra skin since I lost 90 pounds... is it possible that it will stay like this? or is it just that the skin still not attach to my muscles due to fluids.... the swelling has gone down a lot since day one... no doubt about that part. Pic is attached!

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling after abdominoplasty is quite variable. Most patients have persistent swelling for months after the procedure. The swelling can also fluctuate with activity level. The belly is flatter in the morning and can swell more by the end of the day. In the occasional patient with moderate or severe swelling, I have seen it take a full year to resolve. Your results to me look typical for 7 weeks post-op. Be patient--it will resolve. Also maintain your weight. Continue your garment if you think it is helping. I have had patients wear a garment for months after surgery.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

As the others have mentioned, it is difficult to determine any problems that may have arisen without a photograph to complement your question. You may just have some extended swelling with your daily activities that you can handle easily on your own, or there may be something worth contacting your surgeon about for further direction. The best bet is probably speaking with your PS if you have concerns about swelling and the healing process.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Swelling is common after surgery and you'll find that it adds the pounds as well. Allow yourself a couple of months for the majority of swelling to subside, as this is generally how long it takes. You'll find that your weight will gradually reduce as the swelling subsides.Tips to help swelling:drink fresh water and go to the washroom regularlycut down on saltleisurely walk around to keep your circulation goingwear your compression garment as advisedeat a healthy and balanced dietPlease talk to your surgeon if swelling is of particular concern, as they may be able to help you with advice specific to your situation. Best of luck!

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.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

You are still likely to have some swelling and it can take several months for this to resolve. Make sure you do not have other causes for the swelling such as a seroma, infection or improperly fitted compression garments.

After 7 Weeks Post Op I Still Feel Swollen - Is This Normal or This is my Final Result?

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After 7 Weeks Post Op I Still Feel Swollen - Is This Normal or This is my Final Result?

Answers (5)

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Answer: Persistent swelling of abdomen followin tummy tuck

Answer: Persistent swelling of abdomen followin tummy tuck

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