Swelling 10 weeks after full tummy tuck. Is that normal? (Photo)

Question

I had an extended tummy tuck and upper abdomen liposuction 10 wks ago. My drains were 5 days, then removed . Now I notice that I have swelling in a very distinct area of my abdomen is that normal? Are these my final results? I still have a lot of loose skin and very swelling in my upper stomach area

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Although it's not uncommon to have persistent swelling at 10 weeks, your surgeon should evaluate things. If there is a focal collection (Seroma) it can be drained in the office. Best of Luck!

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, 
While swelling after a tummy tuck is very common, I recommend you meet with your board certified plastic surgeon with any post op concerns you have so they can address them and can examine you in person. This way your doctor can take care of you properly, as it is hard to tell from pictures whether swelling is normal or not.  
Best Of Luck!
Dhaval Patel 
Plastic Surgeon 
Double Board Certified 
Hoffman Estates, IL 
Oakbrook, IL
Orland Park, IL
Chicago, IL

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Any changes in swelling after a tummy tuck should be evaluated by your surgeon.  He or she should just make sure you don't have a fluid collection or anything else that can be treated.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, a tummy tuck is a major procedure so it is not uncommon to have intermittent swelling for months afterward.  It is important to have ongoing followup with your surgeon to ensure there is no healing problem (like a fluid collection), otherwise it may be a matter of patience and time.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

It is normal to have on-and-off
swelling of your lower abdomen for months (more like a year) after a tummy
tuck. Then the swelling resolves as the lymphatics of the lower abdomen develop
collateral drainage. Alternatively, you may have a seroma, which will respond
to aspiration in the clinic. Typical swelling that we see after a tummy tuck is
characterized by variable swelling throughout the day and dependent on your
overall body hydration whereas a seroma will be constant and not vary in size
and may be painful. A quick exam by your plastic surgeon will determine what is
happening.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi Sylvia,  I agree with the other docs below that a visit to your plastic surgeon might be helpful at this point. I will say also, that it is not uncommon to have some bloating and swelling after a tummy tuck, even after 10 weeks. Some of my patients complain about this after eating cruciferous vegetables, i.e broccoli, cauliflower or salads, and/or drinking sodas or other bubbly type drinks. If you had some liposuction along with the abdominoplasty, this type of swelling is even more common as the body retains more water and fluids with both procedures.  Discuss this with your doctor and perhaps he/she may have some more insight in to your condition.Hope this helps,Best,Dr. Rodgers

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. Swelling following a tummy tuck and liposuction can last for months. So, I would expect that it will improve unless you have a seroma or collection of fluid that was not drained with the drains. More important, your results are not optimal. The position of your belly button is within 1 inch from your incision or scar. This is it very attractive and will easily show with two pice bathing suits or low riding jeans. Look at a bunch or before and after photos of belly buttons following a tummy tuck so you can judge for yourself. Good luck, Dr PG

Lourdes Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thank you for your questions. You need to wait at least 5-6 months to see the final results of your surgery, it's normal that it's still swollen, you can contact your Plastic surgeon so he can examínate you in person just to elimínate any doubts on the presence of serosa. Good luck!

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear silvia33,

It really does take a full six months for all
of the swelling to subside in a tummy tuck. You do need to be sure you have
been checked by your surgeon to make sure you did not develop a fluid
collection (seroma) after the drain was removed. If you did, a drain will
either need to be replaced or it will need to be aspirated with a needle
periodically.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there, thanks for posting your photos. You are still fairly early in your recovery, and it can take up to six months for swelling to completely subside. Be patient and give your body time to heal. Best to you. -Dr. Coan

Swelling 10 weeks after full tummy tuck. Is that normal? (Photo)

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