Why does my stomach look deformed? 3 weeks Post TT (Photo)

Question

Why doesn't my stomach look flat? I look asymmetrical and a big lump on my right side.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

At 3 weeks swelling of the lower abdomen which makes it puff out beyond the pubic area is very common. Compression dressings and lymphatic massage may help. See your surgeon for a seroma check. Constructing garments or belts can make this worse so avoid them

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

As has been discussed here by other surgeons in a word......time. Patience is a virtue after surgery and you need to wait a full 3 months for everything to settle out. Use ice frequently and wear your binder. You are super early in your recovery and will see major improvements as time goes forward. There is no way to fast forward the recovery so just hang in there!

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Your abdomen will go through substantial changes over the course of the recovery from your tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty. It is still very early after your operation and you can expect things to change significantly. Of course, you should be in touch with your surgeon if you have significant concerns.It is imperative that you seek the advice of a plastic
surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has
extensive experience in tummy tuck/abdominoplasty.

I wish you the best.

Dr. Gabbay.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I know it's frustrating, but you are still in the very early stages of your healing process. Your stomach is swollen and healing which is what is making things look weird. Give your body time to heal and if, at the 3 month mark, you are still unhappy with how things look, then speak with your surgeon re: revision options. For now, be patient and kind to yourself. Best, Dr. Nazarian

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

The tummy tuck incision goes from the skin all the way down to the abdominal muscles.  It cuts through several layers of tissue and it temporarily interrupts the normal, downward flow to lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels between the bottom of the tummy tuck scar and the groin.At 3 weeks post tummy tuck and with gravity pulling injury fluid downward, very often, there is an overhang from swelling just above the tummy tuck scar.  Over the next several months, this fluid will dissipate, new lymphatic channels will be connected either under or around the abdominoplasty scar leading a flattening of the abdomen and very often getting rid of asymmetric abdominal sides.The short answer is give it some time and much of what you are concerned about will evaporate.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

It is still very short time after your procedure to determina which will be your final result, so I will encourage you to wait at least 3 months to really see your final results. Swelling is very tricky because creates an exaggerated volume which may you appear to look weird. I think you will need some refinements after all, for instance, eliminate dog ears and probably some liposuction to the abdominal area (which can not be performed during the Tummy Tuck procedure) in order to even out the thickness of the flap, and after those refinements you will look great.Be encouraged. You will be loving your results.Dr. Cardenas

Louis C. Cutolo, Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for you question and photos.
It is too soon to comment on the swelling. Your lymphatic drainage system is
disrupted, and it will take time to reestablish the connections. This can take
months, and you will see the swelling improve over time. Please check with your
doctor to make sure that you don't have a discreet collection of fluid (seroma
or hematoma) in that area that might need to be drained. Best of luck.

Andrew M. Lofman, MD, FACS · Answer

Three weeks is still early to see the final result. There may be more swelling on one side than the other. If after waiting 4-6 months the asymmetry remains, then a revision will likely resolve his situation.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

No before posted photos???? I bet the improvement is dramatic! But you could use revision surgery after 3 to 6 months for more tightening......

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling is normal for months after a tummy tuck. Your surgeon may advise you to wear a compression garment or binder and check to make sure no fluid is collecting under the skin.

Why does my stomach look deformed? 3 weeks Post TT (Photo)

Answers (12)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

I think i stretched or compromised the tightness of my muscle repair by binge eating and eating big meals. Is this possible?

My incision and my new belly button are black. Is this normal? (Photo)

Why was I told to roll up a wash cloth under my tummy tuck binder?

Can muscle repair come undone after tummy tuck? (Photo)

New Stretch marks after Tummy tuck? (photos)

Post Op Day 7 Tummy Tuck, Pain by Belly Button Area. Any suggestions?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS