I had a TT 7 days ago and I have a swelling pain on the right side of the abdomen next to the belly button? (photo)

Question

I mentioned it to my PS and he didn't seem to concerned, I'm concerned because it feels bruised and swollen more painful to touch and when I put pressure on it. I tried to see if there was a palpable lump but there wasn't anything definitive. .. My surgen did a full tummy tuck and muscle tightening and I had a abnormal belly button and he repaired it, he used no drains and no pain pump ... any Ideas???

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.  I do not see anything of concern on the photographs but this evaluation does not come close to in person clinical evaluation. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource for  evaluation of the concerns that you have; if still in doubt, you will be best off requesting an additional visit with him/her… 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.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Swelling and pain is normal only 7 days after your tummy tuck. Complications can occur so if you are concerned, you should speak with your surgeon and be evaluated.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Very difficult to see or say anything definitive based on the photographs.  Because you had extra work done around your belly button, and you are only 7 days out, it is most likely to be expected that you are sensitive in the area and even could have some extra swelling there.  Continue to follow up with your surgeon.For more information, please go to my website at:WirthPlasticSurgery.com

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Many changes occur in the first 6-8 weeks after a tummy tuck. Minor areas of swelling, lumps, indentations are all common. Your plastic surgeon evaluated it and was not concerned. Give it time and if it persists, follow up with your plastic surgeon again.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Based on your photos, and you are only 7 days post op, I do not see a problem.   An evaluation is needed.  Contact your Plastic Surgeon to discuss your concerns.

I had a TT 7 days ago and I have a swelling pain on the right side of the abdomen next to the belly button? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Swelling 1 week after a tummy tuck.

Answer: Swelling 1 week after a tummy tuck.

Answer: 7 Days Post Op Tummy Tuck

Answer: 7 Days Post Op Tummy Tuck

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I had a TT 7 days ago and I have a swelling pain on the right side of the abdomen next to the belly button? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Swelling 1 week after a tummy tuck.

Answer: Swelling 1 week after a tummy tuck.

Answer: 7 Days Post Op Tummy Tuck

Answer: 7 Days Post Op Tummy Tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

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