Tummy Tuck Still Swollen After 8 Weeks? (photo)

Question

Its been 8 weeks since i had my tummy tuck and im not happy with how my stomach looks. i feel really swollen, i wear my compression garment on 24/7 but just don't know if the swelling will go down or are these my final results?

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question. For 8 weeks post surgery you look good.   Swelling after a full abdominoplasty will last for many weeks after surgery.  Final results take 6-12 months.  Discuss concerns with your Plastic surgeon.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Without pre-op photos- it's difficult to give the best answer. You're still very early post-op- to pass final judgement. It takes months to a year to fully heal after Abdominoplasty.I suggest you give it time

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Always good to send along photos. So far, it looks like you are making a nice recovery.  It is a process that can take a year to heal. Each board certified plastic surgeon has their own peri-operative instructions. If you have any questions,  I would suggest seeing your plastic surgeon.  Let them know your concerns.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Without before pictures, it is difficult to comment on your recovery or the procedure.  However, you look like you have a nice result.  It does take 3 to 6 months for the swelling to completely resolve.  However, most of the swelling resolves in the first 6 weeks.  

	 

	Good Luck.

Joanne Lopes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to answer your question given that there are no pre-operative photos. However,  the post operative photos on Sideview demonstrate a flat abdomen. I also think the frontal view  demonstrates a nice contour . Giving these photos I feel that you have a very good result. I think it is important for you discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon .

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	At 8 weeks after surgery most of the swelling has gone away but there is still likely a little still there.  I would give it more time.  If in the future you would like a little more refinement to your abdomen some additional liposuction can be performed.

	All the best,

	Dr Remus Repta

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

A before posted photo would be helpful. But based upon the only after photos you appear to have a very nice result.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
	As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment. Based on your photographs, I do not see any major area of concern.
	 

	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.

	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)  a complete skin redraping  to occur.
	I hope this helps.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

It takes greater than 6 months for swelling to resolve with a tummy tuck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Margaret Skiles, MD (retired) · Answer

It generally takes at least six months for swelling to be gone after a tummy tuck. And even then, it is not unusual to have some swelling in the late afternoon or evening for another few months. Your pictures look like you are doing well and like you will have an excellent result. However, pictures are not a substitute for an in person evaluation, so be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

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