Uneven stomach 7 months after tummy tuck. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I will be 7months post op on April 8th from my tummy tuck. I have noticed that one side of my stomach sticks out more than the other. You can really see it at the end of the day or right after a full meal. Not only does it stick out more outward, but also sticks out more horizontally than the other side as well. I don’t know if it’s still swelling and one side is taking more time than the other to heal and go down. It doesn’t hurt at all either. Is this normal or something I should call about?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears you are healing well from surgery.  An exam and discussion is necessary to determine what may be occurring with the asymmetry you are noticing.  I encourage you to return to your surgeon to evaluate your concerns.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear leah115,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Overall your results look like they were done by someone who knows what they’re doing.

To make an assessment on the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure we always need to see before and after pictures.

If you don’t have before and after pictures then ask your surgeon to forward the ones they took.

If you have concerns about the outcome of your procedure then you should follow up with your provider.

The human body is highly asymmetrical and this is often represented both before and after cosmetic surgery. Patients often do not judge their bodies critically before surgery but do so afterwards.

When patients have a symmetry of their abdomen especially in regards to projection it is more likely that the muscle wall is a symmetrical and this can come from asymmetry of the thorax or pelvis.

To judge subcutaneous fat thickness why the muscle while simply press one finger gently against your skin until you feel the muscle wall. Is the fat thickness the same on both sides?  Does the muscle wall stick out the same amount on both sides?
Plastic surgeons should not in general try to compensate for primary asymmetry by altering how they do the procedure. Doing so typically leads to two asymmetries.

If you have concerns about the outcome of your procedure I suggest following up with your provider. If you want a quality second opinion assessment then you should schedule in person second opinion consultations with other local port-certified plastic surgeons.

To make an assessment requires seeing before and after pictures and an examination.

Good luck,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!You note that the asymmetric fullness waxes and wanes, suggesting swelling as the most likely cause. Swelling after abdominoplasty may last 12 months after the procedure and may be asymmetric. Allow this time to pass before considering revision as it may not be necessary.Best wishes...

Uneven stomach 7 months after tummy tuck. Is this normal? (Photo)

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