Is this swelling or water retention after tummy tuck?

Question

I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair 3 years ago with no complications. I had the usual swelling after my surgery but it seems like it hasnt really went away. My question is do people with tummy tucks have water retention than people who haven't had tummy tucks? It is only My tummy and it is swelling of some kind because i can feel it under my skin. My skin will kind of feel squishy. But this isnt all the time and changes from day to day and has no correlation with my menstrual cycle.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. It is hard to say what is going on without a physical exam. However, what you are are describing does not sound like a normal finding 3 years after surgery and may have nothing to do with your surgery. I would recommend you follow up with your surgeon or another board certified plastic surgeon in your area for an evaluation.Best of luck!

Mark A. Deuber, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question; it's impossible to answer without examining you.  It is possible to have a chronic seroma (fluid collection under the skin flap) after a tummy tuck.  These can be limited to above the belly button or the entire abdomen.  An imaging study could help identify this (ultrasound, for example).  It is also possible that a swollen seeming abdomen could be due to inadequate abdominal wall/diastasis plication.  You should revisit this with your surgeon to try to determine what is going on.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

I would recommend seeing a plastic surgeon for an in person examination. A "squishy" feeling could mean that you have a collection of fluid under the skin (seroma). Your surgeon may decide to order an ultrasound to see if fluid is present. If a seroma has been present for a long time, then a surgical procedure is required to get rid of it completely.

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting. This can be caused by a number of issues including chronic fluid collection (seroma) or incomplete or failed muscle tightening (plication). In person examination or possibly imaging study is needed to assess your condition. Make sure you are seeing an American Board of Plastic Surgey certified surgeon.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Without photos as well as an examination, it is impossible to accurately answer your question. However, what you are describing is not a common occurrence. It is possible that what you are describing could be fluid or maybe even a hernia (unlikely). You should either contact your plastic surgeon or be evaluated by another board certified plastic surgeon who may be able to determine exactly what is going on.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Photos would be helpful.  It's possible that you have a seroma (fluid pocket) that developed after your surgery and never resolved.  Most patients have swelling that resolves over 3-6 months.  Prolonged "squishy" skin may indicate a seroma that might require further surgery.  Best to follow up with your surgeon.   Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Your symptoms do not sound normal 3 years after a tummy tuck. You are best to be seen in person to be properly evaluated.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not common to have anything you are describing at this time. I recommend you to see your PS for evaluation

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

At this point, three years after tummy tuck surgery, there should be no further swelling or inflammation present.  It  would be unusual but possible that some fluid retention occurs after a strenuous exercise or activity, if lymphatics and/or venous channels are not fully functional.  Having said that, the vast majority of patients do not report these types of concerns once they have reached the one year post op mark. Best wishes.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Unfortunately, this type of question will need a physical examination and most likely an ultrasound to elucidate whether this fluid, if present, is within the tissues or in the plane of disssection of the tummy tuck, meaning an old seroma. Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource in answering this question. Best of luck.

Is this swelling or water retention after tummy tuck?

Answers (11)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Is labia swelling this extensive normal after inner thigh lift and tummy tuck? (photos)

What is happening? Incisions going nuts! Slough? Dehiscence? Please help! (Photo)

Muscle strain/pain after abdominal exercises 2 years post op TT?

I had a FDL tummy tuck and am feeling botched. Am I? (Photo)

Im 27yrs, female. 5'4, 140 pounds. Price of BBL and TT in Vancouver, BC?

Sutures look a bit sloppy to me. Should I complain about this? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS