Still have a rounded belly after Tummy Tuck. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your question.  Residual swelling is fairly common 2 weeks postop.  I'd recommend ongoing followup with your plastic surgeon to ensure that you are healing normally and rule out any issues like a fluid collection under the skin.

Always best to be seen by your plastic surgeon for an accurate assessment, advice, and/or meaningful reassurance.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.

Based on your photographs and description, I would be concerned that separation of the abdominal wall muscles MAY be causing your abdominal wall distention. This may be diagnosed on physical examination with your surgeon examining you in different positions. Again, your plastic surgeon will be in the best position to accurately advise you and/or provide you with meaningful reassurance.
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.

Thank you for your question.  The "rounded belly" that you are seeing is most likely a direct result of post-op swelling.  Without photos, though, I cannot say for sure.  Please discuss this with your operating surgeon to determine if you need to be seen in person for an evaluation.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL