TT 8 months post op and still puffy. Is this expected? (Photo)

Question

I'm having puffiness/sweeping mid abdomen more above the umbilicus. Why is my stomach not flat at this point? I exercise 5 days a week and eat 80/20 diet. Is this expected?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Swelling after tummy tuck usually lasts 3 to 6 months, but some patients do not see final results for a year. Healthy people at their ideal weight should have the best overall recovery, but some of this will depend upon the surgical technique and adherence to postoperative protocols.  Follow up with your PS to determine if a lipo revision would resolve your issue.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. At 8 months post op, most of the swelling is resolved and it is unlikely to see significant improvement.  It's not uncommon to see some fullness in the upper abdomen after tummy tuck. Talk to your surgeon.. You may benefit from a revision liposuction procedure, which can be done under local anesthesia at times and with little down time, depending on how big the area is . Best,

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At eight months post op the majority of the swelling has resolved for most patients.  You may want to visit with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.  If it is still swelling and not localized fat the fullness may be a result of clothing or activity.  If it is localized fat you may benefit from some conservative suctioning.

Daniel Kolder, MD · Answer

While many tummy tuck recipients can start to see final results after about 6 months, for others, the healing process can take more time. Often, clients can feel swollen or still appear puffy for several months up to a year. Your diet and activity can also play a role in creating the appearance of bloating day-to-day. If you're concerned about the overall results of your tummy tuck, schedule a consultation with your surgeon to help determine the source of your puffiness and see if he or she recommends a follow-up surgery or other post-op care to help correct it.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Hi, again MamaMakeOverMe :)  Some minor swelling and bloating may persists for many (many) months following a TT.  This nagging swelling or bloating usually shows itself as developing throughout the day -- in other words, one wakes up nice and flat in the morning, and progressively develops a "Budha belly" throughout the day.  Tight clothing, sitting for prolonged periods, salty foods, poor nutritional diet, menstruation, etc. tend to aggravate the condition.  Alternatively, it is not uncommon that residual fatty deposits not able to be removed in the tummy tuck (and now located elsewhere due to the tummy tuck advancement of the skin) are more noticeable with the overall flattening and smoothing of the tummy.  These fatty deposits may not be readily responsive to diet and exercise, which is why they are there to begin with!, and may require some follow-up liposuction.  8 months is getting out there, but the healing process has not quite ended nor stabilized -- a 3-4 month trial of continued dedicated diet and exercise would be worthwhile to give your body its full chance to recover.  Best of luck, again!  Dr. Ghafoori

TT 8 months post op and still puffy. Is this expected? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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