6 months post tummy tuck and muscle repair - Am I still swollen or will I need a revision? (photos)

Question

I just made six months post op from my tummy tuck. Over all I like the look but I do feel my skin is stretchy and when I sit I don’t feel my stomach super flat. I don’t know if I am still swollen or will need a possible revision. I have my follow up appt next week and not sure what to expect. How tight should my stomach be? I am 5ft, 128lbs and weigh the same prior to having the TT. I also had muscle repair.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the appearance of your abdomen six months after your tummy tuck and muscle repair procedure. From the pictures you've provided, your results appear to be excellent. Your abdomen is flat with minimal excess skin and fat, indicating a successful procedure.

When standing, your abdomen is well-contoured. While sitting, there is some slight excess, but this is completely normal. If your abdomen were overly tight when sitting, standing straight would be uncomfortable or even impossible.

Given these factors, I strongly believe a revision is unnecessary in your case. Please remember, optimal results following a tummy tuck may take up to a year as your body continues to heal and adjust.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question and photos.
Overall, you appear to have a nice result following your tummy tuck surgery. 
Swelling at 6 months after surgery may be normal since the final wound healing can take up to 1 year to be fully completed. I would wait for now prior to undergoing any revision surgery to allow your body to heal more.
I would definitely discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank-you for your query. Most of the swelling should be gone by now although the final results may take upto one year from surgery. You look good and the  tightness appears adequate. The small amount of bulge you see, may be from some Intra abdominal fat, which will respond to working out and low carbohydrate diet. Please discuss all your concerns with your surgeon at your appointment.  All the best!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Resourceful717865, thank you for your question and showing you pictures. It is important to take into account several aspects among which is the surgical technique applied, and wait at least 1 year to consider a revision . The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question @Resourceful717865. First dear not all the patient heal the same way some patients needs more time to work with your inflammation, to give you the best recommendation it is important to know about the use of your faja, are you still using it?, how many massages did you get in total? Did you spoke with your surgeon about this?. One recommendation that I give to my patient if there are still getting inflammation continue doing their massages 3 times per week and using their faja, some one them are good less than 6 months, another needs more than 8 months. Also, if you want to guarantee is only inflammation and not a seroma ask to your surgeon to do a sonography prescription. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  Your result looks good 
I doubt that you still have swelling. To give good perspective on your result it would be good to provide your BEFORE pictures.  In spite of this,  I would not recommend a revision at this time. 
I hope that this helps.

Earl Stephenson, Jr,  MD,DDS
es@drstephmd.com

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Resourceful717865,
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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Without the full details of your surgery it is difficult to comment on your early results. Oftentimes it takes a year or longer to see where your figure will end up and I would follow the advice of your surgeon.  I have some concerns of the muscle tightening portion of your procedure having relaxed.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not post your before results, but do appear to have nice results. When you sit, everything will push forward.  Most of your swelling is gone, but your complete healing time is up to one year.

George H. Pope, MD · Answer

Although I haven’t seen your preop photos, it looks like you have a nice result. Your tummy looks flat, even in that lateral sitting view. Consider sitting down with your plastic surgeon and comparing the before and after photos side by side. George Pope, MDOrlando, FL

6 months post tummy tuck and muscle repair - Am I still swollen or will I need a revision? (photos)

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