Is a Hot, Swollen Tummy and Fever Normal 2wks Post Full Tummy Tuck?

A fever is not normal 2 weeks after a TT.  Immediately post op, first 24-48 hours, there is a small increase in temperature, which falls to normal after the initial shock of surgery.  Two weeks later, I would be suspicious and assume you had an infection until proven otherwise.  A blood count (CBC) and perhaps a few other tests would shed light on the matter.

A hot, swollen abdomen combined with a fever is a sign for concern. Though you are taking antibiotics, you have not seen improvement and need to contact your doctor right away to discuss the situation.

This is not normal, and you should definitely see your surgeon immediately.  You may need surgical intervention.Best wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

While fever after surgery is never normal it MAY be due to incomplete full breathing in the very early post-surgical period. However, new onset of fever more than a few days after the surgery should prompt your surgeon to look for a potential cause
- ? urinary tract infection
- ? infection of one of the arm veins caused by the IV
- ? wound infection

There is NO reason for you to be on antibiotics this far out after surgery. It sounds like you have a very serious infection under the tummy tuck skin. You need to go to the ER of the facility where your operation was done and hopefully where your insurance allows you to go. You will need to be admitted for serious intravenous antibiotics therapy and may well need to go back to the OR for drainage of an abscess if it cannot be done by Radiology.

Do NOT delay taking care of this. It could be fatal.

Dr. Peter A. Aldea

You have one of the few EMERGENCY situations in plastic surgery. GO immediately to the emergency room and call your PS. PLEASE