5 weeks post op Tummy Tuck, is this visceral fat or swelling? (photos)

Question

I'm trying to determine if I have visceral fat or swelling. I am 5 weeks post op. My stomach isn't flat & seems to bulge. Im not disappointed with my results. However, I would still like for my stomach to be flatter. Im overweight & I intend to shed some pounds. I've been told to be patient & give 3 months to see the final results. But, can I expect this to get better? Or, have I most likely reached the best results and what I'm seeing is more visceral fat than swelling?

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

You still have some post-operative swelling, and you still are over your ideal weight. Ideally, body contouring surgery is performed in someone close to their ideal body weight. Your early result appears very acceptable, but your plastic surgeon is correct in recommending that you allow several months to better assess your more "final" result.That being said, as you adopt healthy lifestyle changes both in your nutritional habits and your exercise regimen, you may enhance your result even further with subsequent weight loss. Be patient, and be mindful. For further concerns I would advise you to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

At five weeks after your tummy tuck you will still have some swelling, with out a doubt. However, in your case, based upon your pre-op photos, you certainly have some intra-abdominal fat (visceral fat) that is not affected with a tummy tuck. Therefore, you can still expect to see some improvement in your abdominal contour as the months go by, and it may take 6 months to a year to see your final results. But, as you have commented, if you can lose some weight too, through diet and exercise, your abdomen will appear flatter.Thanks for sharing!

Adam C. Augenstein, MD · Answer

It appears you are going to have a good result. 3 months is about the time it takes for 95% of the swelling in your abdominal tissue to resolve. Your overall appearance will probably improve a bit more from now. Some of the bulging is probably what you call visceral or intra-abdominal fat. Losing a bit more weight may help improve this by lessening the volume.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Did YOU compare the before to afters??? You have a very good early result. You need to have a realistic approach in your results. I would be happy at this point..

Ofer Rodriguez, DO · Answer

visceral fat, next step is lose weight and or do a liposculpture of torso,wait 6 moths before having liposculpture.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. Based on your photographs, and knowing that you are only 5 weeks out of surgery, it is likely that you are dealing both with ongoing swelling and the presence of visceral adipose tissue. My best suggestion: continue to exercise patience. Exercise as you are able to and continue to watch your diet. As you know, it may take up to one year for the skin to fully re drape after tummy tuck surgery. Best wishes; hopefully, you will be very pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure performed.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Although you probably still have some swelling at this early stage, when I look at the preop photos I would suspect that the fullness in your profile is due to visceral fat, fat within your abdominal cavity that is untouched by your tummy tuck surgery.  This looks like a dramatic improvement.  Any further improvement will depend upon weight loss.All the best.

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The lumpiness, swelling and hardness after a tummy tuck or liposuction typically persists at least 8 weeks after the surgery then slowly goes away. I can take 4-6mths before you to begin to see your final results. In my experience, daily massage of the hard areas makes the biggest difference in getting rid of it sooner rather than later. Also, any addition weight loss after a surgery like you had will refine your result. Hope this helps. Dean Vistnes.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Your preop photos suggested that it might have been best to lose your visceral fat before the tummy tuck for optimal results. However, your swelling won't be completely gone for 4-6 months after surgery. Best since you've had the surgery to really try to lose weight now and be absolutely sure you don't gain any.

5 weeks post op Tummy Tuck, is this visceral fat or swelling? (photos)

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