Why after 4 months of having a mini tummy tuck w/ liposuction is it still bloated and not flat?

Hello. Great question. I will recommend waiting a few months for all the swelling to go down before evaluating final results. You are still a little early in your recovery; therefore, still the presence of swelling. If concerns persist, please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed evaluation.

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry that your current results have not been what you anticipated.  For most patients an idea of their long-term result will be known after 4 months and if you still look bloated, the wrong operation may have been selected for you.  Without before and after pictures it is difficult to offer definite advice but discuss this with your surgeon or seek out a second opinion from ASPS board certified plastic surgeons in your area.  Hope this helps.

Thank you for your questions. Mini Tummy Tuck and liposuction surgery can take up to 6 months to see most of the swelling subside. I would keep communicating with your surgeon and give yourself more time to heal and final results to show. Wish you luck

It is not uncommon to experience post operative swelling months after a Tummy Tuck.  Wearing a Compression Garmet, taking Arnica and Icing can help reduce the swelling.

The contour that concerns you can be from several possible sources. One may be residual subcutaneous fat. If this is the case then liposuction of the area should improve it. It could be that it is still swollen from surgery. Time and wearing a compression garment may help along with lymphatic massage. It could be from visceral fat. This is the internal fat around the organs and is not improved with liposuction or a tummy tuck but is influenced by weight loss. Your surgeon should be able to guide you with the best treatment for you.

It's important to note that individual healing and recovery can vary, and if you have concerns about your recovery after a mini tummy tuck with liposuction, you should consult your plastic surgeon or healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and guidance tailored to your specific situation. That being said, here are some potential reasons why you might still experience bloating or lack of a flat abdomen four months after the procedure:

1.) Swelling: Swelling is a common side effect after any surgical procedure, including tummy tucks and liposuction. While most initial swelling should subside within a few weeks to a couple of months, it can persist for several months in some cases. The body's healing process varies from person to person, and it may take longer for some individuals to fully resolve swelling.

2.) Scar tissue: The formation of scar tissue is a natural part of the healing process after surgery. In some cases, the development of scar tissue may lead to a feeling of tightness or bloating in the treated area. This should improve over time, but it can take several months for scar tissue to mature and soften.

3.) Fluid accumulation: Fluid retention, also known as seroma or edema, can occur after surgery. It may lead to temporary bloating or discomfort. Your surgeon can assess whether there is fluid accumulation and may need to drain it if necessary.

4.) Incomplete healing: In some cases, the healing process may not be complete at four months post-surgery. The final results of a tummy tuck with liposuction can take several months to become fully apparent. Patience is key during the recovery process.

5.) Post-operative care: It's essential to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions diligently, including wearing compression garments and avoiding strenuous activities. Failure to follow these instructions may delay healing and affect your results.

6.) Individual variability: Every individual's body responds differently to surgery. Some people may experience a longer recovery period or different healing patterns than others.

If you're concerned about persistent bloating or a lack of a flat abdomen after four months, I strongly recommend reaching out to your plastic surgeon for an evaluation. They can examine your specific case, rule out any complications, and provide guidance on how to address your concerns effectively. It's important to maintain open communication with your surgeon throughout the recovery process to ensure the best possible outcome.

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You did not post before and after photos, so I cannot be specific. If your bloating is internal, you need to be checked for food allergies. Surgery will not correct internal bloating.

Thank you so much for your question. It is normal to still have some swelling months after surgery but it might be wise to also add a few photos to your question as well. Best of luck

Thanks for your question! Without photos it's hard to assess your outcome at the moment. Usually patient's are seeing a result at 4 months but each case varies so it's hard to say. If you can post before and afters (at least your current 'after') we could be much more helpful!Best of luck!