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

Question

I am not quite 2weeks po so I know not to expect too see flat stomach, but I was just wondering if it's normal to still be on the round side. I feel like I look about 7 months pregnant minus my flap. So far I've lost about 5 inches from where the hangover was but only about 1 inch from the top half. Yes I had muscle repair Thank you

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

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

William Andrade, MD · Answer

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.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, Riccki.  Thanks for your question.  Without seeing you in-person or photos, it is difficult to answer your question accurately.  Given that you have lost several inches already, it seems like you are already seeing some result of tummy tuck.  For most patients, it takes 3 months or even up to 6 months to see the final outcome of your surgery.  Please be patient and follow your plastic surgeon's post-operative advice.  If you have any concern about your recovery progress, talk with your plastic surgeon.  He/she will be able to assess you accurately and give you some more reassurance.  Good luck.

Ravinder Jarial, DO · Answer

Greetings.  I would recommend to give it some more time. You are fairly early in the postoperative period.  You can see changes up to one year. Best wishes.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

At 2 weeks post op it is normal to experience swelling.  See your surgeon to confirm you do not have fluid retention.  Wear your compression garment as instructed, and limit salt intake.  It is important to see your surgeon as he instructs.

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

Answers (6)

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