It has been 5 months since my tummy tuck. For over a week now, I've noticed extreme swelling and have even started to wear my compression garment again. Is this normal at this point?
May 14, 2016
Answer: Swelling after a tummy tuck - what is it? Thank you for your question.Based on the photo you posted it is difficult to see any abnormal swelling.Swelling after a tummy tuck could be due to following reasons:1) a fluid collection - serous fluid or blood - this is very rare2) actual 'swelling' - after surgery it is normal for the operated tissues to be swollen. Your entire body may seem swollen immediately after the surgery as it is normal to retain water during the first few weeks. However such swelling is long gone after 5 months. In rare situations, some operated areas remain swollen for a long time because it takes a while for the lymphatic circulation to be re-established and this would be seen in the midline just above the tummy tuck scar as this is the last area to normalize. This is the area limited to the space between the scar and the belly button3) most common cause of patients seeing 'swelling' is lower abdominal bulging. The abdominal wall is usually tightened during the tummy tuck. However, the lower abdomen is naturally weaker than the upper abdomen and so it tends to protrude more, creating the lower belly pouch look (the fascial layer has three layers in the upper abdomen but only two below the belly button). This is not swelling and it will not go away with time. This is normal anatomy and gravity working together. Strengthening your lower abdominal muscles and weight loss (to reduce your intra-abdominal cavity fullness) is the real treatment.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
May 14, 2016
Answer: Swelling after a tummy tuck - what is it? Thank you for your question.Based on the photo you posted it is difficult to see any abnormal swelling.Swelling after a tummy tuck could be due to following reasons:1) a fluid collection - serous fluid or blood - this is very rare2) actual 'swelling' - after surgery it is normal for the operated tissues to be swollen. Your entire body may seem swollen immediately after the surgery as it is normal to retain water during the first few weeks. However such swelling is long gone after 5 months. In rare situations, some operated areas remain swollen for a long time because it takes a while for the lymphatic circulation to be re-established and this would be seen in the midline just above the tummy tuck scar as this is the last area to normalize. This is the area limited to the space between the scar and the belly button3) most common cause of patients seeing 'swelling' is lower abdominal bulging. The abdominal wall is usually tightened during the tummy tuck. However, the lower abdomen is naturally weaker than the upper abdomen and so it tends to protrude more, creating the lower belly pouch look (the fascial layer has three layers in the upper abdomen but only two below the belly button). This is not swelling and it will not go away with time. This is normal anatomy and gravity working together. Strengthening your lower abdominal muscles and weight loss (to reduce your intra-abdominal cavity fullness) is the real treatment.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Swelling months after Tummy Tuck Congratulations on your tummy tuck.A tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal wall."New swelling" months after a procedure is usually bloating. Your own intra-abdominal contents may be expanding as they normally may be do (as with gas) which can push on the tightened abdominal wall, causing you to feel like the area is swollen. Bloating will change everyday, and will subside, but you may notice it more now that everything is tighter. The swelling is unlikely to be related to fluid or actual swelling of the tissues this long after surgery.Losing weight or abdominal muscles will help.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Swelling months after Tummy Tuck Congratulations on your tummy tuck.A tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal wall."New swelling" months after a procedure is usually bloating. Your own intra-abdominal contents may be expanding as they normally may be do (as with gas) which can push on the tightened abdominal wall, causing you to feel like the area is swollen. Bloating will change everyday, and will subside, but you may notice it more now that everything is tighter. The swelling is unlikely to be related to fluid or actual swelling of the tissues this long after surgery.Losing weight or abdominal muscles will help.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
