Is this normal swelling for 16 weeks post op TT? (photos)

Question

So i workout every day since i was cleared for activity at my last appointment I spin lift and do an elliptical. I was waking up totally flat every day until the end of Oct which would have put me at 10 weeks when this swelling starting. This is what I wake up like some mornings. Other times I'll be swollen to my chest! I know it can take a long time to heal I just was wondering if this is normal or if I should try getting into my Dr sooner than my next appointment which is a month from now?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling can persist for
several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months,
six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and
penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two
weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.

It may take several
months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and
for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive
surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars
may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to
settle.

These can be improved
with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma.
Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow
with products such as Embrace.  On
occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment
including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.

While swelling is often still likely at this point after surgery, you should not hesitate to visit your surgeon to have the area examined if you are concerned at all. Your surgeon will have the best detailed information on your case and give you the best advice. Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the concerns you have after tummy tuck surgery.  As you likely know, your plastic surgeon will be your best resource for precise diagnosis...

Generally speaking, an abdominal wall "swelling" after tummy tuck may be related to:

1. Swelling in the soft tissues. This may take several months to resolve and may worsen with increased activity or at the end of the day. Patience is required to allow for resolution of the swelling. The swelling occurs because of the interruption of venous and lymphatic channels that occurs during the tummy tuck operation.

2. Fluid accumulation in the space between the skin and the abdominal wall muscle. this may consist of blood ( hematoma) or serum (seroma). This fluid accumulation can generally be diagnosed by physical examination ( occasionally ultrasound may be helpful). Treatment consists of aspiration; several episodes of aspiration may be necessary.

3. Separation of the abdominal wall muscle repair may lead to a swelling/bulge appearance.  One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication) of the rectus muscles. These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.

4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination. Additional liposuction surgery maybe necessary to improve the results of surgery.

Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year (or greater) a complete skin redraping to occur.

Best wishes.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (4 months  post-po) the swelling has to be minimal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

There will be a great deal of swelling after surgery, but if you feel something is not right contact your surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD

Los Angeles, CA

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Swelling will increase with activity and can last for a while longer. If concerned, see you surgeon. Best of luck.

Is this normal swelling for 16 weeks post op TT? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Is this normal swelling for 16 weeks post op TT?

Answer: Is this normal swelling for 16 weeks post op TT?

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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Is this normal swelling for 16 weeks post op TT? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Is this normal swelling for 16 weeks post op TT?

Answer: Is this normal swelling for 16 weeks post op TT?

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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