I'm 8 weeks post op and my stomach is still swollen. What can I do to get that flat look? (Photo)

Question

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment.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. This may be diagnosed on physical examination  with your surgeon examining you in different bodily positions. 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.
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.
I hope this helps.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

At two months after a tummy tuck, you are still in the wound healing phase and the swelling may be due to swollen muscle secondary to the repair of the rectus diastasis.  A seroma, which is a known complication and quite common, can be diagnosed and easily treated by your plastic surgeon.  It would be useful if you would send some pre op pictures as well as data as to your height and weight, both pre and post op, and also the exact surgical procedure your plastic surgeon used.  It has been my experience that a well done tummy tuck usually requires a second stage liposuction to get the truly flat stomach most women desire and anticipate from their original tummy tuck.  At this juncture, I think it is appropriate to contact your personal plastic surgeon and get his or her views on the subject of your not quite yet flat stomach.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. Swelling will subside overtime. It can take several months before swelling subsides completely, so be patient and wait before judging the results of your surgery. The "flat look" you seek should be more and more evident as swelling goes down.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Good evening.  It is difficult to answer your question with limited views of your photos and without direct examination.  Although you may have some residual swelling at 8 weeks post-op, your fullness may be due to extra-abdominal and/or intra-abdominal fat.  Please continue following up with your plastic surgeon. If you are unhappy with your outcome in couple months, you may need liposuction vs. weight loss.  It would be best to discuss your options with your plastic surgeon.

Amy K. Alderman, MD, FACS, MPH · Answer

Don't get too anxious...normal to have swelling after tummy tuck.  I tell my patients that 50% is gone around 6 weeks, but it takes about 6 months for all the swelling to resolve.  The best option you have is to wear compression which will help control the swelling.  If you feel any fluid or feel that the swelling is worsening, I would go see your surgeon and make sure you do not have a seroma.

I'm 8 weeks post op and my stomach is still swollen. What can I do to get that flat look? (Photo)

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Answer: Swollen stomach 8 weeks post TT

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I'm 8 weeks post op and my stomach is still swollen. What can I do to get that flat look? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Swollen stomach 8 weeks post TT

Answer: Swollen stomach 8 weeks post TT

Answer: Postoperative swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Postoperative swelling after tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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