Tummy tuck a little over 10 weeks ago, right side looks a whole lot bigger than left. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I've always noticed that my right side is bigger than my left, at 1 month post op I brought it to my PS attention, but considering I was only 1 month out, I guess he figured I was still swollen.I plan on calling my PS Monday morning. Just want Answers already :/

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing after your tummy tuck or abdominoplastyUnevenness can exist for a number of reasons including preoperative asymmetriesIf liposuction was performed, this can contribute to the problem.Prolonged fluid or drainage can also contibute

Kelly Gallego, MD, FACS · Answer

It can take up to three months for the swelling to subside after an abdominoplasty.  Sometimes even longer.  However, swelling tends to be relatively symmetric.  If one side of your abdomen is noticeably larger than the other, it might be a sign of a persistent seroma.  Small seromas are quite common, and typically resolve on their own without any treatment apart from compression.  Larger or persistent seromas require aspiration in the office.  Infrequently, it becomes necessary to place another drain.  Seromas are typically diagnosed with physical exam, and can be confirmed by ultrasound.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. It's hard to tell what this.  It may represent residual swelling, differential thicknesses of your skin/fat on one side versus the other or mild weakening of your muscle repair.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears as though you may have some swelling that can take up to 6 months to resolve.  Check back with your plastic surgeon if the swelling worsens.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

the asymmetry that you are referring to doesn't seem too out of the ordinary for 10 weeks. It will be 3-6 months from time of surgery before things settle out. At the 6 month point you should be able to evaluate. I bet things continue to look more alike. Best of Luck!

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have mild asymmetry after a procedure, especially in the first few weeks when swelling is significant. A seroma or collection of fluid can add to the swelling and asymmetry. I would recommend that you regularly follow up with your plastic surgeon and wait for the swelling to subside. If the asymmetry is still there after the swelling subsides, you can address the concern with your surgeon and he or she may offer a revision.

David J. Levens, MD · Answer

Early swelling is quite normal and can be more on one side. Fluid that can be drained (a seroma) easily in the office occurs most commonly within the first few weeks. At this point in your recovery it is likely simply residual tissue swelling that can persist for up to 6+ months post op. Seeing your plastic surgeon for follow up will help to reassure you.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

you should discuss your concerns with your surgeon who has the advantage of knowing your anatomy and testing you for fluid waves for seroma.  Most of the time its simply one side may have a little thicker fatty layer and office revisions can help resolve this after you are healed.  Overall, you photos show a good result... but if you're wanting perfect, then talk to your surgeon.

Jason Mussman, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question!  Asymmetry after a tummy tuck can be from fluid accumulation of differences in thickness of the abdominal wall.  Your surgeon will be able to tell the difference.  Best of luck!--Dr. Mussman

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures. Some degree of asymmetry after tummy tuck surgery is commonly seen, both in the short-term and longer-term. I would suggest that you continue to exercise patience. Best to evaluate the “final” outcome of the procedure one year after it was performed. If, at that point, you still have concerns about asymmetry, address them with your plastic surgeon. It may be, that with additional skin excision and/or liposuction surgery, then the asymmetry can likely be improved upon. Best wishes; hopefully, you will be pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure performed.

Tummy tuck a little over 10 weeks ago, right side looks a whole lot bigger than left. Is this normal? (Photo)

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