Why is my tummy still big after my tummy tuck? (photo)

Dear Diligent980478,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Concerning the residual fullness to the lower portion of the abdomen, It appears the muscle repair to that section may not be intact. This would be the most likely reason. A fluid collection is also possible but seems unlikely as your surgeon should have noticed and taken care of it previously.

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Unfortunately without seeing how you have healed over time it is difficult to comment on your current results as it may be continued bloating and swelling from surgery, or it may be continued muscle laxity of your lower abdomen allowing for a bulging, exacerbated by a tight upper abdomen worsening the condition. Best to discuss with your surgeon who knows the full details of your procedure.

An exam is needed to determine why you are still experiencing fullness towards the bottom of your tummy. It's possible that it could be residual swelling or internal fat, but it also could relate to the muscle wall correction. I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

A physical exam would be necessary to accurately diagnose why your abdomen is still convex (rounded). Sometimes it may be from the lack of muscle tightening, sometimes from internal fat pushing out and finally, form fat under the skin which requires liposuction.
Dr. Taranow

You need an examination to see if the fullness is internal and how tight your abdominal muscles now are. Those with food allergies tend to swell because of their colon extending. Surgery does not help with these issues.

When making an assessment for someone’s abdomen for cosmetic reasons we look at four different variables.

These are abdominal skin laxity, excess subcutaneous fat(The kind you can pinch and the tape we will remove it with Liposuction) muscle separation from previous pregnancies called Diastasis recti, and lastly access intra-abdominal or visceral fat.

When someone is not happy with the outcome of an abdominal cosmetic procedure we still more or less go back to these four variables because the lack of results is usually because of one or two of those.

In your case it could be excess visceral fat though I believe in your case muscle tightening we was inadequat.

I suggest you follow up with your provider and ask him or her what the explanation is. You should then get a copy of your medical record which needs to include your operative report and the before and after pictures taken by that medical office.h

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photos, I note fullness of your lower abdomen. If you underwent rectus abdominis muscle tightening, the internal muscle / fascia suture line may have broken down. A physical examination is required to determine the nature of this fullness. Revisit your plastic surgeon for evaluation and examination and express your concerns. 15% of cosmetic procedures may benefit from a revisional procedure.Best wishes...