Muscle repair failure after tummy tuck? (Photo)

It is very difficult to assess the muscles in pictures without a physical exam. There are a number of reasons why you may still be experiencing lower abdominal fullness. There could be swelling, muscle separation, weakness of the abdominal wall, or even fluid collections.Touch base with your operating surgeon. At some point a CT scan may be utilized to determine the etiology of your swelling.

Thank you for your question and the photos.  I'm sorry you're experiencing some delayed swelling following your tummy tuck.  From the photos alone, it is impossible to determine if this is normal swelling or if you might require further muscle repair.  Due to the fact that you had liposuction just 5 seeks ago, it would not be unusual for there to be some additional swelling.  Your own plastic surgeon is the best one to assess your results since they have the most knowledge of your case.  Swelling from tummy tuck alone can sometimes take up to a year to resolve.  Best of luck to you.

Most likely you did get a Muscle Repair  during your Tummy Tuck but maybe your muscle was much looser than normal and the plication was not enough and you need one definitely much tighter. Based on my own experience it is normal to feel the abdomen distended at late afternoon or night. It will be better after 2-3 years. Dr. Cardenas 

Thank you for your question and photographs. It is not uncommon to experience long term swelling after a tummy tuck procedure. Tissue healing and swelling usually completely resolves at one year post-op. It is difficult to assess whether or not your abdominal wall tightening is adequate based on these before and after photographs. I recommend following up with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for an in person examination and to discuss your concerns. Good luck!

Dear Patient: I'm sorry to hear about your post-op TT results.  I would need better photos of before and afters, and even with that, a personal examination is the best way  to assess what's going on in your case, whether the TT you had has tightened your abdominal wall enough or whether you have ongoing long-term swelling.  Post TT swelling is normal, and it usually will increase as your activity levels increase.  Usually at about a year post op you should finally see the swelling gone.  Follow up with your Board Certified Plastic surgeon, and lets hope that all resolves in your favor.  Hope this helps!