6 weeks post op Tummy Tuck with MR, no lipo. Concerned with pooch and asymmetry. Will my results be a flat tummy? (photo)

Question

I have a short torso and have always carried my wt in my mid section. I love my new belly button and how my waist is pulled in under my ribs on my left side, but am concerned with the soft buldge around my bb (bigger on my left) and how my right side comes in less than my left to give it that hourglass look. My PS said I was flat after surgery, but even in the morning I'm not completely flat. I feel the hard swelling throughout the day and had a drain in for 5 wks. Will I ever see a flat tummy?

David Liland, MD · Answer

At 6 weeks Post op Tummy Tuck you still have significant edema- fluid in your tissues and therefore have not reached your maximal flatness that is possible after the TT. You had a drain in for 5 weeks implying you put out a significant amount of fluid and therefore I would predict you will stay swollen longer. I tell my patients that it take a whole year to see your final results in a TT in terms of "flatness".  My patients are advised to wear a pressure garment like a spanks after they come out of their binder to aid in resolving the edema. Looks like you are on the way to a really nice result. Best of Luck

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  I would give your swelling 6-12 more weeks to resolve before passing final judgment on your result.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there!  Thank you for your question and your photos!  I think that you are still in the swelling stage of your post op recovery.  You had drains for 5 weeks post TT and that would imply a lot of fluid build up.  You need to give yourself a minimum of 6 months to see real results.  If and only if after that time you see no improvement, then you can consider possible liposuction.  In my opinion, you will be fine and your tummy will be flat!  Best of Luck to you!

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

It is still way too early to judge your results, especially if you required keeping your drain in that long. I agree with waiting up to a year before determining whether you need a revision.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Very difficult to say yes to your request for flatness. If after 3 months still not flat consider additional intervention like directed liposuction or CoolSculpting...

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

What you are describing is common for a few months after a tummy tuck. The swelling will improve, give it at least 3 months.

Paul Silverstein, MD (retired) · Answer

I agree that it may take 6-12 months for you tummy to be flat, but I think it will.  If it does not, then some remedial liposuction can fix the problem with out major surgery or general anesthsia.  I would not be worried at six weeks.  Wearing a snug panty girdle might also help drive the swelling fluid out sooner

6 weeks post op Tummy Tuck with MR, no lipo. Concerned with pooch and asymmetry. Will my results be a flat tummy? (photo)

Answers (7)

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