Upper abdominal swelling after Tummy Tuck. Is 7 weeks too early to see this type of swelling? (Photo)

This may be swelling.   It is always best to ask these questions of your chosen surgeon as recommendations may be different.

Kenneth Hughes, MD















Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question. You should expect to have swelling for three to six months following tummy tuck surgery. Use of a properly fitted compression garment will help decrease the length and severity of the post-operative swelling. As the swelling decreases, the contour of your abdomen, flanks, and hips will dramatically improve. Please follow your plastic surgeons specific advice regarding your level of physical activity. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Your results look fine and this type of swelling is perfectly normal at this point after surgery. Continue to follow up with your surgeon. It will take 6 to 12 months before you achieve your final result.

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (2 months post-po) the swelling is normal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Thank you for your question and photograph and congratulations on your surgery!  It is difficult without an in-person examination to determine what may be taking place.  Most commonly this is residual swelling from surgery which will spontaneously resolve but it would be important to voice your concerns to your surgeon to ensure that other issues are not taking place - discrete fluid collection, muscle laxity, or residual adipose tissue.  Hope this helps.