How long does a tummy tuck take to see final results?

Question

So i am 4 weeks po after a tummy tuck and i still have alot of loose skin especially toward the buttom pubic area is that normal? Or should my skin already be tight? My surgeon says it all will take time to finish swollen but i see too much skin?

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.With it taking up to a year for the final result to show up it is best to make sure that you schedule all necessary follow-ups with your surgeon to make sure that everything progresses as it should. Good luck.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Monica,   It is very difficult to give you an  appropriate answer with seeing your front and side view pictures. In general, though, swelling after tummy tuck is expected, but not loose skin. The total reduction of swelling can take 2-3 months, which is the reasons for my recommendation to wait 2 months , before doing liposuction after tummy tuck, when it is requested.  So, be patient for 2 additional months and than reassess your situation with the surgeon. Use your common sense. If you are not happy with the outcome and you are not getting satisfactory response from your surgeon, consult with other experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive  with flat stomach, tight and youthful skin, nice belly button and low scar.               All the best,                                    Dr Widder

Jason P. Rehm, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  What you are describing is normal healing after an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).  It typically takes 8-12 weeks for the swelling to resolve after this procedure.  You will experience some tightening, but depending on your specific condition prior to the operation even will determine how significant your results may be.  Rarely, is there a need for skin only excisions after this procedure, but I would not recommend considering this option until at least one year post op.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. It is much too early to evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed. The majority of swelling will dissipate within the first few months after surgery but the final outcome of the procedure performed takes a year or longer to see. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

Ayman Hakki, MD · Answer

Four weeks is too early to judge any result. If your surgeon was board-certified in plastic surgery does a ton of tummy tucks and instructed you well, you are in good hands. It's not, seek a second opinion. And good luck.

How long does a tummy tuck take to see final results?

Answers (5)

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