Is swelling normal 6 months post op Tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 6 months ago. I had very little lip done. Just a small amount on the sides. I mostly had sagging skin from pregnancy. For the first 4-5 months everything looked great. I started working out about a month post op but I didn't do any crunches or ab focus until a month ago. Now my stomach looks swollen around the incisions all the time. Is this normal? I also started wearing my corset (spanx type) again to see if that would help but its only been a day.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Swelling after a tummy tuck usually completely resolves by the third month.In my practice, when I see patients that have undergone tummy tuck with liposuction on the sides ( flanks) elsewhere and complain of "swelling" or "fullness" in the area where liposuction was not performed, most of the time I found the physical finding is not welling y adipose tissue ( fat) in the area.Patients with questions or concerns about delayed swelling after their tummy tuck should follow you with the plastic surgeon that performed the procedure.

Sergio Alvarez, MD · Answer

Swelling in general can take up to 12 months to completely subside. The incisions are going through the maturation phase of healing and will settle over the year period as well I would recommend having your surgeon take a look at everything to give you peace of mind!

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos.  Swelling should subside within the first 3-4 months after surgery.  Although it could take up to 6 months to see the final result, it would be hard to determine what caused the swelling at this point without an in-person examination.  Best to consult with your plastic surgeon since he/she knows your medical history best.  Best of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.
An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic
surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and provide true medical advice.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, kph15Most of the swelling decreases within 6 weeks of surgery.  However, it can take up to 6 months to see the overall outcome (contour) of the surgery.  Patients can experience some tissue swelling and skin/muscle relaxation during the first year.  Please follow up with your plastic surgeon to be evaluated in-person and to make sure that you are progressing as expected.Best regards.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Remember that swelling after a tummy tuck can last for a year and now that you have started exercising, you may be experiencing swelling from the muscles.  Many patients experience this and will wear some sort of compression when working out and also remember to minimize salt intake.  Be sure to follow up with your PS.

Is swelling normal 6 months post op Tummy tuck? (photos)

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