It's been 6 months - is this swelling or my final results? Permanent swelling? Lymphedema forever? (Photo)

Question

i am concerned its been 6 months and the “swelling” has not gone down. i have an overhang which i never had before…. the area right above the incision is hard to the touch and is even round when i lie down why is the “hang” only over my incision? is this permanent? i hate how i look, even more than before… i am scared and worried that i will never have a flat stomach ever again and that my body is permanently destroyed

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It appears from your photos that you still have swelling.  Final results for a tummy tuck are seen 9-12 months after surgery, but the majority of the swelling is gone before then.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon about your concerns.  Lymphatic massage may be helpful.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear seriousmitten,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest go back to your surgeon and discuss your concerns. Your healing time is a year, so you still can expect more improvement. compression garments can still be helpful.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

At six months patients typically don’t have much swelling left. Skin incisions do require 12 to 18 months before they stop changing so you can expect your scar to continue to improve over the next year.
 Different surgeons have different skills and abilities. Sometimes revisions are required to get the results patients want.
Follow up with your provider to see what he or she has to say. If you want a proper second opinion and you should schedule that as an in person consultation. Whenever patients want an assessment on the outcome of an operation they should post proper before and after pictures. If you don’t have before and after pictures then ask your surgeon to forward the ones they took.
For a second opinion consultation patients should come prepared with before and after pictures and ideally a copy of the operative report which you can get by calling your previous surgeon and asking for copies of your medical record.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

It's been 6 months - is this swelling or my final results? Permanent swelling? Lymphedema forever? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tummy tuck results at six months

Answer: Tummy tuck results at six months

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Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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It's been 6 months - is this swelling or my final results? Permanent swelling? Lymphedema forever? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tummy tuck results at six months

Answer: Tummy tuck results at six months

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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