15 months post tummy tuck and I still have swelling. Is this normal?

Question

I am 15 months post tummy tuck and he and still swollen around my bellu button and a roll in upper abdomen when i sit help

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. At 15 months post-operation, it is not unusual to have a bit of swelling but if you feel the swelling has not decreased over the last year you should address your concerns with your plastic surgeon.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Most swelling is gone 10-12 months after a tummy tuck. Perhaps you are seeing excess fat or skin. You should see your plastic surgeon and see what he or she says.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

Most people have completed their healing process by 12 month's time, but everyone is a little different and it is possible that you have residual swelling around your belly button, though not likely.  As far as the roll in the upper abdomen when you sit, this is not likely due to swelling and is unlikely to resolve.  If you have concerns about your tummy tuck, I would suggest you consider returning to your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and so that you can be examined.  Best of luck!

Jordan P. Farkas, MD · Answer

Generally most of the swelling should resolve by 12 months. I'd recommend going back to your plastic surgeon and see what he suggests. Good Luck!

David Finkle, MD · Answer

There is a lot of swelling after a tummy tuck, however by 15 months after the procedure, that swelling is gone.  If you are not happy with your results, please contact your plastic surgeon.  A revisionary procedure may be needed.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

Check with your plastic surgeon and have him or her can examine you. At 15 months it's unlikely that you have significant swelling. Your surgeon can examine you to see if the bulging is fat or something more concerning. Your own anatomy and tissue tone can impact the results as well.For more information about tummy tucks, click on the link below.All the best.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Although everyone heals in their own unique way and swelling at 15 months after your tummy tuck is possible I would anticipate that the amount of swelling should be fairly minimal at this time.  Excess volume, fullness, or skin might be there to stay at this point and beyond your recovery.  A more in-depth discussion and exam of these areas would help determine what is occurring and what solution may be best.  Upload some before and after photos as these can also be very helpful.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

At 15 months post tummy tuck, you probably don't have any significant post surgical swelling (fluid retention).  these areas may be due to residual fat.  Even if your surgeon performed liposuction at the time of the tummy tuck, these are the areas that normally can't be liposuctioned at the same time of the tummy tuck.  To do so could damage the blood supply to the abdominal skin and result in a would.  Once a patient is well healed from the tummy tuck (6-12 months post op), the blood supply to the abdominal skin should be re-established.  It would then be safe to liposuction these areas without a high risk of skin necrosis.  Check back with your surgeon for their opinion.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

The average person does not have swelling at 15 months post op.  Follow up with your surgeon for an evaluation.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

There can be resistant areas of swelling about your mid section.    This will improve once lymphatic flow is established.   Go to your surgeon and discuss this.    MY Best,  Dr C

15 months post tummy tuck and I still have swelling. Is this normal?

Answers (10)

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