I has a full tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo of the flanks. I am now 5 weeks post op and I still have a gross pooch like area in my lower abdomen. It's especially prominent when I bend over. My plastic surgeon says it's just swelling, but to me it looks and feels like fat and skin and I'm starting to feel like I didn't pick a good surgeon. I'm also concerned by the dark color of my scar, and the red ripple lines still all around it. Help please!
Answer: Upset with Tummy Tuck Compare with before pictures. You have no wound separation, a big chunk of your excess skin and fat are gone, your scar is low and short, and your waist more narrow than before surgery. Your belly looks fit in the four weeks post photo. Lymphatic drainage of hypogastrium is disrupted by abdominoplasty. Reconstitution of this drainage takes time, and skin below belly button will be swollen for months. Your surgeon chose shorter scar and tucked you in from the sides which contributes to central fullness below belly button. This can be treated later by suction or office revision if you wish, but a very long scar can never be shortened or erased. Your surgeon appears to have done a nice job in my opinion.
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Answer: Upset with Tummy Tuck Compare with before pictures. You have no wound separation, a big chunk of your excess skin and fat are gone, your scar is low and short, and your waist more narrow than before surgery. Your belly looks fit in the four weeks post photo. Lymphatic drainage of hypogastrium is disrupted by abdominoplasty. Reconstitution of this drainage takes time, and skin below belly button will be swollen for months. Your surgeon chose shorter scar and tucked you in from the sides which contributes to central fullness below belly button. This can be treated later by suction or office revision if you wish, but a very long scar can never be shortened or erased. Your surgeon appears to have done a nice job in my opinion.
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May 4, 2014
Answer: Tummy tuck It is still a bit early to panic but talking with your board certified plastic surgeon is a good idea to share your concerns. Your incision length look more like a mini or modified abdominoplasty. Seroma is the number one thing to rule out. You may benefit from revisionary surgery but time will tell. Good Luck!
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May 4, 2014
Answer: Tummy tuck It is still a bit early to panic but talking with your board certified plastic surgeon is a good idea to share your concerns. Your incision length look more like a mini or modified abdominoplasty. Seroma is the number one thing to rule out. You may benefit from revisionary surgery but time will tell. Good Luck!
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May 4, 2014
Answer: I am 5 weeks post-op from a full TT and upset with my results. Is this really just swelling, or are these my results? Thank you for the question and pictures. Although it is not possible to give you definitive information or reassurance online, hopefully it will be helpful to you to know that the types of concerns that you are having after tummy tuck surgery are not unusual at your stage in recovery. Again, although I cannot reassure you that you will be pleased with the outcome of surgery some general thoughts regarding postoperative swelling after tummy tuck surgery may be helpful to you:
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May 4, 2014
Answer: I am 5 weeks post-op from a full TT and upset with my results. Is this really just swelling, or are these my results? Thank you for the question and pictures. Although it is not possible to give you definitive information or reassurance online, hopefully it will be helpful to you to know that the types of concerns that you are having after tummy tuck surgery are not unusual at your stage in recovery. Again, although I cannot reassure you that you will be pleased with the outcome of surgery some general thoughts regarding postoperative swelling after tummy tuck surgery may be helpful to you:
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Answer: Extremely early You are very early in your journey of healing after an abdominoplasty - which is a significant undertaking indeed. You should continue to follow your doctor's advice and regular follow-up appointments. You will likely see final contour results at 6 months; however, the scars will improve for longer.
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Answer: Extremely early You are very early in your journey of healing after an abdominoplasty - which is a significant undertaking indeed. You should continue to follow your doctor's advice and regular follow-up appointments. You will likely see final contour results at 6 months; however, the scars will improve for longer.
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May 5, 2014
Answer: 5 Weeks Postop and Upset with Results Thank you for allowing me to answer your question. At 5 weeks it is too early to judge the final result from an abdominoplasty. You appear to have a lot of improvement in the contour of your abdomen but if you feel you have asymmetrical swelling it could represent a seroma. I would follow the advice of your surgeon regarding any instructions for scar massage and postop compression garments. I would try to be patient and give it at least another 2 months before considering any revisions as the scar color and contour of your abdomen will continue to improve with time.
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May 5, 2014
Answer: 5 Weeks Postop and Upset with Results Thank you for allowing me to answer your question. At 5 weeks it is too early to judge the final result from an abdominoplasty. You appear to have a lot of improvement in the contour of your abdomen but if you feel you have asymmetrical swelling it could represent a seroma. I would follow the advice of your surgeon regarding any instructions for scar massage and postop compression garments. I would try to be patient and give it at least another 2 months before considering any revisions as the scar color and contour of your abdomen will continue to improve with time.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
