I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair along with lipo of my back and arms in July '20. After the initial swelling my abdomen was nice and flat. Fast forward 10 months later I look bloated and pregnant. Had an ultrasound done and no hernia, my organs are fine and so on. Also had my PT check for any diastisis recti and my muscle repair is intact. I have no pain except discomfort when I eat a lot. I've reached out to the plastic surgeon to let him know the results. What could be causing this?
Answer: Internal fullness after abdominoplasty I have seen this on occasion after abdominoplasty and many times it is because the patient has put on weight after the procedure. You didn’t mention what your weight was before the surgery vs currently. After abdominoplasty, the “reservoir “ for fat that was in the lower abdomen has been removed. Therefore, if you put on a small amount of weight, more of that fat will be stored internally, beneath the muscle compared to before the surgery. For example, if your pre surgical weight was 130 lbs and the amount of fat removed weighed 3 lbs, your new post op weight should be 127. If you currently weigh 135, you would be functionally 8 lbs heavier, and the proportion of fat stores beneath your abdominal muscles will be higher, resulting in feeling “inflated.” Without knowing your weight and if it changes, this is just a thought. If your weight is lower than pre-op, then perhaps a GI work up is in order to further evaluate. Best regards.
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Answer: Internal fullness after abdominoplasty I have seen this on occasion after abdominoplasty and many times it is because the patient has put on weight after the procedure. You didn’t mention what your weight was before the surgery vs currently. After abdominoplasty, the “reservoir “ for fat that was in the lower abdomen has been removed. Therefore, if you put on a small amount of weight, more of that fat will be stored internally, beneath the muscle compared to before the surgery. For example, if your pre surgical weight was 130 lbs and the amount of fat removed weighed 3 lbs, your new post op weight should be 127. If you currently weigh 135, you would be functionally 8 lbs heavier, and the proportion of fat stores beneath your abdominal muscles will be higher, resulting in feeling “inflated.” Without knowing your weight and if it changes, this is just a thought. If your weight is lower than pre-op, then perhaps a GI work up is in order to further evaluate. Best regards.
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June 15, 2021
Answer: Bloated appearance It is difficult to say what is occurring without knowing more. This could be attributed to increase in visceral fat (the fat around the organs). It could be bloating from changes in diet. It is right that you reached out to your surgeon who should be able to provide more information after an examination.
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June 15, 2021
Answer: Bloated appearance It is difficult to say what is occurring without knowing more. This could be attributed to increase in visceral fat (the fat around the organs). It could be bloating from changes in diet. It is right that you reached out to your surgeon who should be able to provide more information after an examination.
Helpful
June 13, 2021
Answer: What could be causing inflated abdomen after tummy tuck and muscle repair? Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Two things need to be considered - return of muscle fascial laxity and an increase in visceral fat. The former is seen most commonly in patients suffering with intestinal swelling/bloating and chronic constipation, while the latter is most commonly the result of weight gain. Talk to your surgeon for the best advice as they know the full details of your procedure.
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June 13, 2021
Answer: What could be causing inflated abdomen after tummy tuck and muscle repair? Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Two things need to be considered - return of muscle fascial laxity and an increase in visceral fat. The former is seen most commonly in patients suffering with intestinal swelling/bloating and chronic constipation, while the latter is most commonly the result of weight gain. Talk to your surgeon for the best advice as they know the full details of your procedure.
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June 13, 2021
Answer: Tummy tuck results Dear AfroPuff,
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June 13, 2021
Answer: Tummy tuck results Dear AfroPuff,
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Answer: What could be causing inflated abdomen after tummy tuck and muscle repair? An inflated abdomen following a tummy tuck and muscle repair could be due to several factors, such as:1. Swelling: It’s common to experience swelling after surgery, and this can make the abdomen appear larger than it actually is. Swelling can persist for several weeks to months.2. Fluid accumulation: Seromas or hematomas (accumulation of fluid or blood) can develop post-surgery and lead to abdominal swelling. Your surgeon may need to drain these if they occur.3. Scar tissue: The formation of scar tissue can contribute to changes in the appearance of the abdomen. This can affect the contour and texture of the area.4. Infection: In rare cases, an infection can cause swelling and discomfort. If you suspect an infection, contact your surgeon immediately.5. Tightness from muscle repair: The repaired abdominal muscles may feel tight, causing temporary discomfort and contributing to the appearance of a fuller abdomen.It’s crucial to consult with your plastic surgeon to determine the cause and discuss any concerns about post-operative swelling and discomfort. They can provide guidance and monitor your recovery to ensure it’s proceeding as expected.
Helpful
Answer: What could be causing inflated abdomen after tummy tuck and muscle repair? An inflated abdomen following a tummy tuck and muscle repair could be due to several factors, such as:1. Swelling: It’s common to experience swelling after surgery, and this can make the abdomen appear larger than it actually is. Swelling can persist for several weeks to months.2. Fluid accumulation: Seromas or hematomas (accumulation of fluid or blood) can develop post-surgery and lead to abdominal swelling. Your surgeon may need to drain these if they occur.3. Scar tissue: The formation of scar tissue can contribute to changes in the appearance of the abdomen. This can affect the contour and texture of the area.4. Infection: In rare cases, an infection can cause swelling and discomfort. If you suspect an infection, contact your surgeon immediately.5. Tightness from muscle repair: The repaired abdominal muscles may feel tight, causing temporary discomfort and contributing to the appearance of a fuller abdomen.It’s crucial to consult with your plastic surgeon to determine the cause and discuss any concerns about post-operative swelling and discomfort. They can provide guidance and monitor your recovery to ensure it’s proceeding as expected.
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