Ask a doctor

Is it normal to suddenly look 3 m pregnant, 2 m after Tummy Tuck when your stomach has been perfectly flat all along?

On 11.19.14 (2 months ago) I had a tummy tuck with lipo. My drains finally came out on 1.12.15. My stomach was initially very flat and lpoked great. Suddenly within the last 2 weeks my stomach swells up where I look pregnant. My stomach is no longer flat in the mornings. I'm still wearing compression and binder. My PS tapped my stomach and nothing came out. My PS said that my stomach is reconnecting & that it will go away in time. My stomach is hard, painful & looks bigger than before. Help!!

Doctor Answers 4

January 17th, 2015

Sometimes road to recovery after tummytuck can have some bumps

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
wish i could say what is going on from your pix and history, but i can't. you should be closely followed by your surgeon and these concerns should be discussed. if you haven't been seen recently, you should schedule an appointment for a recheck soon. if you are not comfortable with what you are hearing, it is never a bad idea to think about getting a second opinion.
Bruce K. Barach, MD


Schenectady Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

January 16th, 2015

Tummy Tuck Post Op Swelling

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Some swelling an inflammation is normal after any surgery. Unfortunately, no worthwhile advice can be given from reading your description and looking at your photos. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon and if you are not satisfied with their explanations consider a second opinion.
Sanjiv Kayastha, MD
January 15th, 2015

Hard to Tell

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
It is hard to tell what might be going on based on these photos alone. An examination would be very important in making an appropriate assesment. For the best results seek the consultation of a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They have a website listing all the certified plastic surgeons. Members of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery will all be board certified in plastic surgery and have demonstrated an interest and competence in cosmetic plastic surgery as well

Alexander G. Nein, MD, MS, FACS
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

You might also like...

*Treatment results may vary

Related content

View all Tummy Tuck reviews
January 15th, 2015

Swelling after a tummy tuck

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I'm sorry I can't help more, but it is very difficult to tell what is going on via your description and pictures.  You can always seek a second opinion of a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

Good luck.  Healing takes time.
Joseph W. Aguiar, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.