I had a lower body lift with fleur de lis 5 weeks ago but my tummy doesn’t look very flat. Why? (photos)

Hello, 
Thank you for your question regarding abdominal swelling after your fleur-de-lis or inverted T abdominoplasty. 
Since you’re only five weeks out from your fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, you were still swollen. Your postoperative abdominal swelling may take several more months to dissipate. When you exercise, your abdominal swelling will get worse and then subside over the next several days. Over time, your body will not swell after exercise and other strenuous activities. This is your body‘s normal response to surgery, especially a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. In your case, I would suggest continued abdominal compression with either a medical grade garment or tight spanks for at least one more month. I would also suggest a high-protein diet and daily exercise. I hope that I’ve answered your question regarding abdominal swelling after a fleur-de-lis or inverted T abdominoplasty. 
If you have any more questions regarding postoperative healing from a inverted T abdominoplasty, please contact my office. 
Sincerely, 
Dr.Katzen(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and Fellow of American College of Surgeons and American Board for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery)

The volume on your abdomen may be the result of swelling having in mind swelling remains for 4-5 months. But also it may be your abdominal flap being very thick and swelling on top. The thickness of the abdominal  flap will improve having  liposuction 4-6 months post Body Lift, and just to let you know that because of safety, I never do liposuction to abdomen during or before the Body Lift. Be very careful on your weight because it is very easy to put on. Be encouraged Dr. Cardenas 

This is a good question that many patients ask at around the 5-6 week time point. You look to have a nice result, with good scars, but there is definitely some residual swelling. The swelling is almost always above the transverse scar, so it gives you your current shape, but I would expect it to flatten as the swelling resolves over the coming weeks and months. 
Lots of people actually experience worse swelling around this time point, because it coincides with their activity levels returning to near normal.
The other thing to consider is whether you have a discreet fluid collection (seroma) which may need draining. This is unusual with modern techniques, but I would suggest you book to see your PS for a review in person to check for a seroma and address your concerns.
Good luck!
 

Dear Ellestar,
Thank you for your question and pictures. Your scars are healing well and you have had no post-op problems. You are still only 5 weeks post-surgery so will still have significant swelling - this can get worse before it gets better as you start to become more active. It will normally take at least six months to settle, often up to a year, so please be patient and I am sure that you will no longer be disappointed. This is big surgery and results are not instant - as much as we would like them to be.
Stay in touch with you Plastic Surgeon for reassurance.
Congratulations on your recent surgery and I wish you well.
Best,
Marcus

Many thanks for your query. At 5 weeks you will still have a LOT of swelling - let this settle for 6 months before judging the result.You have said that you are improved, so why disappointed? Your surgeon has been safe as is evidenced by no immediate post op problems. Safety is our primary concern always.Sit tight - it will improve further with time.BestMark