2 weeks post op tummy tuck-Lipo of flanks uneven... Is it swelling? (photo)

It is completely normal to experience swelling 2 weeks postop after liposuction, giving the appearance of asymmetry. Expect normal residual swelling for anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months! Consult your surgeon and try to stay patient.

In general, patients swell after surgery. This typically peaks 2-4 days after surgery and then gradually subsides over 6-8 weeks. It's not uncommon to undergo bilateral (or both sides of the body) procedures and have swelling resolve asymmetrically, or more quickly from one side of the body than the other. This could be because of handed-ness, because one side had more extensive surgery than the other, because a patient favors one side or sleeps on one side more, or just because. It could also be that there is an intrinsic anatomical asymmetry that was there and may always be there. Regardless, in the early postoperative period there is always swelling that will resolve and areas or issues of concern may work themselves out. You should always check with your surgeon if something doesn't seem right, or if there is a sudden change in appearance or very different levels of pain on one side vs the other. 

Thank you for the question.
As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment.Generally speaking, abdominal wall "swelling" after tummy tuck may be related to:
1. Swelling in the soft tissues. This may take several months to resolve and may worsen with increased activity or at the end of the day. Patience is required to allow for resolution of the swelling. The swelling occurs because of the interruption of venous and lymphatic channels that occurs during the tummy tuck operation.
2. Fluid accumulation in the space between the skin and the abdominal wall muscle. this may consist of blood ( hematoma) or serum (seroma). This fluid accumulation can generally be diagnosed by physical examination ( occasionally ultrasound may be helpful). Treatment consists of aspiration; several episodes of aspiration may be necessary.
3. Separation of the abdominal wall muscle repair may lead to a swelling/bulge appearance. This may be diagnosed on physical examination with your surgeon examining you in different bodily positions. One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication) of the rectus muscles. These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.
4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination. Additional liposuction surgery maybe necessary to improve the results of surgery.
Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year (or greater) a complete skin redraping to occur.Again, your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource. I hope this helps.