Stomach not flat after Tummy Tuck? (Photos)

Question

I am almost 2 mos out from umbi float TT w/ hernia/MR. Before surgery, i was very fit/athletic but had a huge diastasis that made me look pregnant. When i feel for diastasis now, i can feel the sides of my muscles come together as i crunch up (similar to before, though not as severe). Is that normal? Shouldnt they be together before i crunch up? My PS says i need to do core work to get a flat stomach. I was under the impression that's what i was paying him for. Should i seek a 2nd opinion?

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

It appears you continue to have a diastasis with laxity of your abdominal wall. I generally recommend Seri mesh for patients with severe diastasis such as yours. This method helps prevent recurrent laxity. You will need a second procedure with fascial tightening, mesh, and more skin removal.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Most patients will be placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next six weeks.

Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.

It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to settle.

These can be improved with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as Embrace.  On occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.Now, considering the fact that this is likely just continued swelling that takes a while to reach the full and complete healing and final results, there should not really be anything to worry about. But, if you are worried that this is not swelling then you should definitely contact your surgeon for a visit to have the area examined for proper healing. Good luck.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

The details of the procedure should be discussed with your plastic surgeon on follow up exam. It is difficult to tell from photos if bulging is from swelling and/or diastasis. Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended during the healing process.

Avron Lipschitz, MD · Answer

On your photo I see a lot of skin laxity but I cant tell if you are "crunching" or flexing your torso at the time of the photo which is why you need to be examined in person. I see a well defined muscle contour thought. An in person examination will also determine ongoing rectus diastasis or even hernia.

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

Sorry your unhappy with the results. 2 months after surgery a significant amount of swelling remains but the contour of your abdomen should be flatter than where you were before assuming a rectus plication was performed. That being said it sounds like you needed a hernia repair simultaneously which complicates this picture. It's never a bad idea to seek a second Opinnion. It can help clarify your questions.

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Stomach not flat after Tummy Tuck? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Underdone tummy tuck?

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Answer: Tummy tuck results

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.