Pooch after tummy tuck. How can I fix this? (Photo)

Question

Right after the tummy tuck my abdomen was flat, but around the 3-4 week I started noticing a pooch, I doubted it was fat because I was eating right. I’m in my 8th week and there’s no more fluids but the pooch is still there and getting worse. I’m wearing my garment day and nigh. I have strength in my abdomen muscles and I weight 130, my height is 5’5”so I really don’t think is fat or muscle issues. How can I fix this? I’m kinda scared and disappointed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear july162004,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a tummy tuck surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It is difficult to see what you are talking about from your photos. Results can take several months to fully settle in. It is possible to have some swelling and tightening over the course of your recovery. I would be in close contact with your surgeon about these matters and stay patient!It's critical that you seek the advice of a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has extensive experience with tummy tucks.
I wish you the best,
Dr. Gabbay.

Robert M. Kachenmeister, MD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out and sharing photos. It is hard to say from the photos, maybe a photo with you standing would be better. But you are still very early on in your healing process. Around 6 months is when you should expect to see final results. Swelling is still present around week 8, continue to follow your surgeons post op instructions and be sure to express your concerns at your post op appointments. Best of luck! Dr. Kachenmeister

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

The photos are very hard to evaluate. It is normal to have some redundancy in the lower abdomen, as that is what allows us to straighten up and bend at the waist; if we were rigid in that area, we would not be able to flex at the waist. Accordingly, there is some redundant skin that is normal to have even AFTER having had surgery. However, you could also have swelling related to the procedure, residual fluid buildup (seroma), or intraabdominal (visceral) fat that became more noticeable to you after the excess apron of abdominal skin was removed. At this early postoperative juncture, you should be patient and follow the surgeon's instructions including garment use. Talk to the surgeon to see if additional maneuvers like lymphatic massage might be recommended (for instance, if you also had liposuction). Above all, be patient until you are at least 6 months out and continue to maintain an appropriate diet and activity regimen approved by your surgeon to allow your result to take shape.

Michael Zarrabi, MD · Answer

It is very difficult to see the "pooch" but keep in mind you are still in the early post op period.  Fullness in the lower abdomen can be related to the intra-abdominal organs.  This may be related to bloating of the bowels for example and not be related to swelling of the skin or tissues. Again, give it some more time and speak with your surgeon about your concerns.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Your results look ok but the photos are not ideal. The lower tummy can take 6 months to settle. I would suggest you see your surgeon for this. a seroma could be the cause. Don't be offended but check your weight as well. The lack of exercise in the weeks following surgery can catch people unaware. None the less it will likely correct with more time and resumption of normal activities.Do see your doctor for help with this.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

It is very important for you to take a photo of your concern standing straight up; even athletes who are in incredible shape will have a pooch when they bend over ! Only with an examination or upright photo, can an accurate recommendation be made.

Pooch after tummy tuck. How can I fix this? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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