Why do I feel fat after my tummy tuck? (photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 6 weeks ago with no lipo except for my upper abdominal. I still feel extremely huge. My doctor said he did lipo on my upper abdominal however it is still extremely full.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

You feel "fat" and bloated because swelling resolves slowly over several months as lymphatics regrow and scar tissue softens and settles. This is even more true with liposuction.Your body accumulated fluid after surgery--this is a normal response after any operation or injury, and it takes your system weeks to lose the surgical edema, and the body 6-12 months to fully recover from the major surgery you requested.Be aware that any "extra" calories you eat now (above and beyond those you do not burn each and every day) will be accumulated in the areas of highest metabolic activity. Guess where those areas are! SO be good, eat properly, exercise frequently, maintain your weight carefully, and watch your tummy get better and better.One other thing--realize that one of the reasons you had a tummy tuck was to tighten the stretched and looser muscles and fascia of the lower abdomen. Your surgeon did that, but your intra-abdominal contents are still the same volume as BEFORE your surgery. So, if you have a surgically-created internal corset, those "inside-the-belly" chitlins are going to push somewhere. That somewhere can often be the upper abdomen. All the more reason to get a pound or two off (inside the abdomen as well as elsewhere).Be well and best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

If you had liposuction with your tummy tuck it make take several months for the swelling to resolve and the skin to tighten.  Follow instructions from your surgeon.A tummy tuck can be done as a solitary procedure.  Many times the results are enhanced by adding
liposuction to the hip and love handle area. 
A tummy tuck is also done in combination with a breast augmentation in a
mommy makeover.

Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
and member of the Aesthetic Society using the Smart Beauty Guide.  These Plastic Surgeons can guide you on all
aspects of facial surgery, breast augmentation and body procedures including
tummy tucks or mommy makeovers!

Why do I feel fat after my tummy tuck? (photo)

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Why do I feel fat after my tummy tuck? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.