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. 

It is still too early to see what the final result will be. You will need to wait around 6 months. Wearing a binder will still help, but if wearing it throughout the day is a problem then try just wearing it at night.

It is still early after surgery to determine your final results.It will take 6 momths for the swelling to improve.

I'm sorry to hear about the concerns you have after tummy tuck surgery.  As you likely know, your plastic surgeon will be your best resource for precise diagnosis and advice.





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.  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.



  



Best wishes. 

This may be related to swelling, anatomy,  inadequate plication or visceral fat.  Best to give it more time to heal.

Thank you for the question! Judging by your photo alone, it is difficult to guarantee a reliable assessment of your concern and provide an individualized medical advice.  It is not uncommon to observe some swelling following a tummy tuck. Typically, swelling will occur as a result of seroma (a collection of fluid under skin). In some cases, it may take about 6 months for swelling to subside completely. Give it time, but if you experience persistent seroma, make sure to alert your plastic surgeon to your concerns. 

An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon should be the best way to assess your needs and obtain a reliable medical advice. Best of luck! Dr. Michael Omidi.