9 weeks post-op mini Tummy Tuck & Lipo to abdomen/ flanks, do I still have a lot of swelling or am I gaining weight back?(photo)

“Swelling” at 9 weeks after tummy tuck surgery may or may not be normal; it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment.   Generally speaking, abdominal wall "swelling" after tummy tuck may be related to:
1. Swelling in the soft tissues.  This may take several months to resolve and may worsen with increased activity  or at the end of the day.   Patience  is required to allow for resolution of the swelling. The swelling occurs because of the interruption of venous and lymphatic channels that occurs during the tummy tuck operation. The use of garments may be helpful,  especially as activity/exercise increases.
2. Fluid accumulation in the space between the skin and the abdominal wall muscle.  this may consist of blood ( hematoma)  or serum (seroma).  This fluid accumulation can generally be diagnosed by physical examination ( occasionally ultrasound  may be helpful).  Treatment consists of aspiration;  several episodes of aspiration may be necessary. 
3. Separation of the abdominal wall muscle repair may lead to a swelling/bulge appearance. This may be diagnosed on physical examination  with your surgeon examining you in different bodily positions. One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication)  of the rectus muscles.  These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.
4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination. Additional liposuction surgery maybe necessary to improve the results of surgery.
Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year  (or greater)  for complete skin redraping  to occur.
 Again, let your plastic surgeon know about the questions/concerns you have. Best wishes.

This is a common question asked after tummy tuck surgery as well as after liposuction. Most likely you are going through swelling phases that correlate with increased activity, more strenuous activity, on an off usage of your garment or using an inadequate garment during exercises. This could also correlate with water accumulation and edema associated with the menstrual cycle. It is also conceivable that you may have gained a few pounds over the last month. Make sure to visit your surgeon to rule out any possibility of a seroma which may have to be aspirated.