Is it considered ‘normal’ for swelling to increase extensively 6 months post-op after a full tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

I had a full tummy tuck and breast lift 7 months ago. There have been many complications since then. I have also had to increase my synthroid dose recently and I’m not sure if it’s related. I’m sure it’s not normal to increase in swelling to the point of moderate to high pain this long after surgery, especially since previous months were good.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It’s unusual for swelling to increase 6 months after surgery. I recommend seeing your surgeon as soon as you can  so that they can examine you.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Thank you for your pictures. It is not common for swelling to increase extensively 6 months post op. I will suggest scheduling a follow up appointment with your surgeon.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  This is not common and I would advocate seeing your surgeon for an in-person evaluation of your tissues.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nice4937,
there should be no new increase in swelling 6 months after the surgery. I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Adel Fattah, MBBChir, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

An in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice but it is not uncommon to have some swelling above the scar for a few month. This is because the fluid form the tissues drains to the lymph glands in the groin. The scar cuts across these so the fluid builds up and has to "go around the scar". After several months, new channels form across the scar and you find that such swelling subsides. 
Because you have had "many complications", I can't really comment but you could ask your surgeon for his thoughts or seek a second opinion.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Because you have had "many complications", it is unclear what the cause of this swelling is. You should schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon for an in-person evaluation/physical exam. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Christine Blaine, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  You should follow up with your board certified PS for an in person evaluation.  It is not common for patients to experience an increase in swelling so far out from surgery (7 months) and you also mention that you have experienced many complications since surgery.

Rachel Ford, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. It is not normal to have an increase in swelling that far after a tummy tuck. I recommend you see your surgeon for an examination. They may order an ultrasound or other imaging to see if there is an actual collection of fluid. Best of luck,
Dr Ford

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. Swelling should subside by 6 months after surgery. You may not have true swelling of the tissues but possibly relaxation of the muscle tightening done above and bellow your belly button. The way to determine this is to have an imaging study to evaluate whether you have a fluid collection or if your muscles have relaxed. Pain can occur over the course of the first year. It should not be constant nor severe. Rather most complaints of occasional discomfort may be from stretching the scar tissue in the area where the tummy tuck was performed and this will go away on its own after the scars relax in a year. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is not normal to experience increased swelling and pain 6 months from surgery.  I encourage you to contact your surgeon's office for an appointment.  An examination and discussion of your symptoms is needed to help determine the cause.

Is it considered ‘normal’ for swelling to increase extensively 6 months post-op after a full tummy tuck? (Photos)

Answers (10)

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