18 days post Tummy Tuck bellybutton looks bad is this swilling or extra skin?

Typically after a tummy tuck the skin of the abdomen is fairly tight and it appears that your skin is a bit loose. There is also swelling present which may make it difficult to tell what is going on. Allow some more time to let swelling improve and follow up with your surgeon as scheduled 

Without knowing exactly what was done during your surgery, it is impossible to say what your final result will be.  That being said, it usually takes at least three months for all of the swelling to go away.  It is important to wear an abdominal binder/ compression on the area all the time for the first six weeks - even longer if possible.  Just be patient, follow your surgeons postoperative instructions, and see where tings are at in three months.  I hope this helps.

thank you for your question and your photos. It's difficult to assess your progress from Photos alone. It's best to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!Dr. Dhaval M.PatelDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonChicago-Water Tower Place, Oakbrook, Hoffman Estates, South Barrington 

Thank you for your question and thanks for the photographs.

At 18 days post op you will definitely still be quite swollen and the final result will still be many weeks away.  Without details of the procedure such as did you have a full tummy tuck, lipoabdominoplasty, tummy tuck with umbilical float, or mini abdominoplasty it is difficult to give any advice on your early post operative result.  Be confident that your results should continue to improve over the first 3 months and follow your surgeon's post operative instructions.  I typically tell all patients that it will take at least 3 months before we can begin to see what the final results will be but full healing should take up to a year.

Best Dr. L

Thank you for the question and photos.  At 18 days after your surgery there is bound to be a lot of swelling.  As far as loose skin, once you've healed some more you should be able to tell if enough skin was removed or more needs to be removed.  Have this conversation with your plastic surgeon along the way so that you both know how long you will wait prior to making a decision for a revision if needed.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta