Day 15 tummy tuck and flanks lipo - look worse than before. (photos)

Question

This is a picture of myself on day 15 after my surgery. I'm discouraged and unpleased with my results. So far I look worse than I did before. So much money for no results. I know swelling takes time but I see no improvement at all. I'm starting to regret my surgery.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear that your results have not been what you anticipated.  At 15 days you are early into your recovery and are manifesting signs of your tummy tuck and liposuction performed, namely swelling.  This swelling will begin to improve over the first 6-8 weeks but may take up to a year for your results to mature.  I know waiting is difficult but voice your concerns to your surgeon, they are in the best position to help provide reassurance.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your email and your pictures.Please do not  be discouraged so soon after surgery.  It is still very early.  Everyone heals a bit differently.Wear your garment as directed, and if you still feel unhappy, please visit your PS for reassurance.All the best.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You should expect to have swelling for three to six months following tummy tuck surgery. Use of a properly fitted compression garment will help decrease the length and severity of the post-operative swelling. As the swelling decreases, the contour of your abdomen, flanks, and hips will dramatically improve. Please follow your plastic surgeons specific advice regarding your level of physical activity. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

It is a common complaint for patients that undergo tummy tucks to feel swollen after surgery. Don't judge your look until you have given yourself time to heal and recover. A few things that may help: 1. After surgery,make sure your garment is still giving you the appropriate compression. If too loose, it's not helping. If its too tight, your legs will swell.2. decrease yout salt intake. Drink plenty of water. That helps alot with the swelling. Many times patients drink less water thinking it will make the swelling resolve. The opposite is true. 3. Change positions frequently. If you are in a chair/desk position most of the time. Make sure you are getting up and walking around frequently to help with circulation. 4. Eat high fiber fruits and veggies to help with constipation and bloating which can also make you feel even more uncomfortable and "tight" in a compression garment.I hope this helps.

Karen Singer, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your pictures and concerns. The swelling you are experiencing is natural following a tummy tuck and liposuction. You are very early post-op in terms of the healing process and you will notice significant improvement with time. Note that it can take six months to a year to see your final results. While it is easier said than done to be patient, patience is needed. Follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions, share your concerns with him/her, and allow your body time to recover and heal. Best wishes.Karen Singer, M.D., P.A.Harvard GraduateBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ed Breazeale, Jr., MD · Answer

Do not be discouraged- give your body a full three months to completely heal. You have a long way to go. You will get better every week. Its hard to tell from your post op picture- but did your plastic surgeon float your navel or did you have stiches all the way around your navel? And it also depends if you had a full extended abdominoplasty or a modified/mini abdominoplasty. Liposuction full results also always take a full three months. Continue wearing your compression full time- this will help with swelling. Good luck!

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are in  post op period. Swelling common at this time. Please give few weeks for it to come down and you will see the difference. Meanwhile follow instructions from your PS

Vinod V. Pathy, MD, FACS · Answer

Patience is a virtue when it comes to plastic surgery!  As my colleagues have pointed out, it is still far too soon to judge the outcome of your procedures.  It typically takes, at minimum, 3 months for swelling to resolve, and you will continue to experience changes in the contours of your abdomen and flanks for up to a year.  Best of luck--and hang in there!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You are fresh post treatment.  You have to give it several months for most of the swelling to subside. Be patient.

Alejandro Hernandez Pizzoglio, MD · Answer

Real results after a Tummytuck is seen after 5 to 6 months. Dont worry, is too soon to see big changes. You will be much better on a couple of months.

Day 15 tummy tuck and flanks lipo - look worse than before. (photos)

Answers (10)

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