Hard stomach and fluid build up 9 months after mini tummy tuck. What could it be? (Photo)

Dear Ll11222,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I would suggest getting an ultrasound to see if fluid is present. if it is present, it needs to be drained and you need to wear compression. Go back to your surgeon and discuss your concerns.

I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation. An ultrasound can be performed to check for fluid collection. Based on your photos I'm not sure why a mini tummy tuck was recommended for you. A full tuck is indicated.

If your CT scan did not show fluid collection, then you don’t have a fluid collection.
To make an accurate assessment on the outcome of the surgical procedure we always need to see proper before and after pictures. If you don’t have your before, and after pictures, I suggest contacting your provider and asking them to forward the pictures they took.
There are four variables determine what the ultimate looks like. In other words, if somebody doesn’t like the way, their belly looks it is always because of one or more of four different tissue variables.
The four tissue variables that determine what the abdomen looks like are abdominal skin laxity generally due to previous pregnancies or significant weight loss, excess subcutaneous fat, muscle separation from previous pregnancies or excess visceral or intra-abdominal fat.
Consideration should be given if your weight has been stable.
Choosing the correct procedure, it should be based on having a clear understanding of what the underlying ideology is. A mini tummy tuck only treats skin laxity of the lower abdomen. It does not treat any other tissue variables. The full tummy tuck treat skin Laxcity of the upper and lower, abdomen and treat muscle separation from previous pregnancy.
Liposuction reduces subcutaneous fat.
Excess visceral or intra-abdominal fat, can only be lost through weight loss.
Potential weight gain would be higher on the list of issues based on what you described.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD