I am 6 months post op Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck, no lipo. I have a horrible ledge, shelf, step off right above my scar. I was told it was possibly swelling but I have a feeling its fat or uneven thickness. How is this fixed? Is there anyway to know for sure if it is fluid vs. residual fat? I was instructed by my plastic surgeon to NOT wear compression. I will say, my stomach has never been flat post op, the shelf is very prominent and looks like I am pregnant.
Answer: Prominent lower belly Your surgeon should have a high resolution ultrasound (HRUS) at his/her disposal by this point in time. 5 seconds of scanning will tell the surgeon if there is a seroma or not, or if there is an issue with the abdominal wall repair (unlikely). In that case, it would be a combination of swelling and excess fat. I prefer patients wait at least 9 to 12 months from tummy tuck surgery before any additional liposuction is performed. Keep in mind that the results of liposuction would be improved with more skin advancement, but only below the belly button. This gives the surgeon the opportunity to lower you incision further and tighten skin.
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Answer: Prominent lower belly Your surgeon should have a high resolution ultrasound (HRUS) at his/her disposal by this point in time. 5 seconds of scanning will tell the surgeon if there is a seroma or not, or if there is an issue with the abdominal wall repair (unlikely). In that case, it would be a combination of swelling and excess fat. I prefer patients wait at least 9 to 12 months from tummy tuck surgery before any additional liposuction is performed. Keep in mind that the results of liposuction would be improved with more skin advancement, but only below the belly button. This gives the surgeon the opportunity to lower you incision further and tighten skin.
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Answer: Abdomen Go back to your surgeon to see if this is excess fat which can be removed with liposuction, or is fluid which can be seen on ultrasound examination.
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Answer: Abdomen Go back to your surgeon to see if this is excess fat which can be removed with liposuction, or is fluid which can be seen on ultrasound examination.
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January 31, 2025
Answer: Lower abdominal bulge after tummy tuck while retained fluid can definitely cause a bulge in the lower abdomen after her tummy tuck based on your pictures, I would not suspect that. The important thing would be to determine whether the bulge is from an excessive fat accumulation, or if it is a residual muscle weakness (diastasis). I would determine this by examining. If it is out of stimulation, then liposuction would take care of it. If it’s a residual diastasis, you may need a revision tummy tuck to reconstruct the muscle muscles of the lower abdomen.
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January 31, 2025
Answer: Lower abdominal bulge after tummy tuck while retained fluid can definitely cause a bulge in the lower abdomen after her tummy tuck based on your pictures, I would not suspect that. The important thing would be to determine whether the bulge is from an excessive fat accumulation, or if it is a residual muscle weakness (diastasis). I would determine this by examining. If it is out of stimulation, then liposuction would take care of it. If it’s a residual diastasis, you may need a revision tummy tuck to reconstruct the muscle muscles of the lower abdomen.
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July 6, 2024
Answer: Liposuction Liposuction will help flatten your tummy now that your skin and muscle have been nicely tightened with the tuck. This can be done with local anesthesia and minimal downtime and risk.
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July 6, 2024
Answer: Liposuction Liposuction will help flatten your tummy now that your skin and muscle have been nicely tightened with the tuck. This can be done with local anesthesia and minimal downtime and risk.
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June 11, 2024
Answer: Tummy tuck results Dear susangro2570, I understand your concern. Based on your photos, it looks like liposuction can improve the shelf. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 11, 2024
Answer: Tummy tuck results Dear susangro2570, I understand your concern. Based on your photos, it looks like liposuction can improve the shelf. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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
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May 30, 2024
Answer: Observations and Solution Suggestions Hello; what causes for the swelling? You can learn it; with ultrasound. If it is due to excess fat; with the Vaserlipo technique; problem is solved. If it is due to seroma formation; surgical excision is required. If it is due to muscle laxity; plication must be applied on the caste muscle.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
May 30, 2024
Answer: Observations and Solution Suggestions Hello; what causes for the swelling? You can learn it; with ultrasound. If it is due to excess fat; with the Vaserlipo technique; problem is solved. If it is due to seroma formation; surgical excision is required. If it is due to muscle laxity; plication must be applied on the caste muscle.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful