Is This My Final Tummy Tuck Result at 11 weeks?

Lipo-abdominoplasty is a procedure where liposuction is done to reduce the excess fat and help mobilize the skin but the skin flaps aren't raised to preserve blood supply to the skin flaps. It would have been good if you showed a pre-op picture. You have a lot of stretch marks and your skin has very little elasticity. Depending on how you looked before surgery your results could be considered acceptable or inadequate. I would suggest to keep in touch with your plastic surgeon. It is good that he is willing to help you further.

The wound
healing process following abdominoplasty lasts for over a year.Most of the swelling resolves in six to eight
weeks, but small amounts of swelling may persist for up to a year.The procedure inevitably interrupts the
abdominal lymphatic drainage and this takes time to re-establish itself.For these reasons, it’s likely that you will
see changes in your abdomen for the next six months.Review of your post-operative
pictures suggests that you have poor skin tone.This is illustrated by the presence of a large number of stretch
marks.In addition your pictures
immediately following surgery demonstrate a relatively tight closure.After three months you’ve developed what
appears to be residual skin laxity.Under these circumstances, it’s not
unusual for patients to require revisional surgery.This shouldn’t be undertaken for at least six
months following the original procedure.It’s important to maintain close contact with your plastic surgeon.Your surgeon should be able to formulate a
treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your
aesthetic goals.

Thank you for submitting your question. Swelling
after a full abdominoplasty will last for many weeks after surgery Final results take
6-12 months. Some patients with excessively lax skin may develop laxity after surgery.  Rest assured if the laxity persists in 6-12 months a revision can be performed.  Discuss concerns
with your Plastic surgeon. 

Based on your photos it appers you have some excess skin that may need to be removed in the future. I'm not convinced swelling is the cause for your current abdominal contour.  Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon and if in 6-9 months the contour isn't what you expected, he can improve the shape with a revision (removal of skin).

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno

Thank you for your question and photos. Your final results from your Tummy Tuck can take 8-10 months. Especially swelling takes a long time to go down. It is very recommendable to wear a garter every day for the first 5-7 months after surgery. This helps to reduce the swelling an curve your body. Best of luck

At two months you are not even close to your final result. I like to keep abdominoplasty scars taped with paper tape for the first 8 weeks to decrease tension. At 4 months your scar is about 80% done. Give it time and it will improve.

Hello,

Thank you for the question.  At 11 weeks there may be some residual swelling remaining but most of the results should be visible.  Excess skin laxity at 11 weeks after surgery will not significantly improve with time, unfortunately.  Give it the remainder of the year for all healing to complete and then you can reassess what you would like to have accomplished with a revision tummy tuck.

All the best,

Dr. Remus Repta

At this point in your healing you should be quite happy.  Some residual swelling and contour irregularities are normal and usually subside over the coming months.  However what you are describing may be more than residual swelling.  I would wait for 6 month before considering any revisions.  I feel that you should also discuss this with your plastic surgeon as he/she seems very reasonable based on your post.

It takes at least 6 months for all your swelling to go away after a tummy tuck, and sometimes it can take up to a year. You won't see your final tummy tuck result until at least 6 months after surgery.

You should stay focused on eating well, drinking lots of water, exercising, massaging the swollen areas, and wearing a light compression garment (Spanx). 

I hope that helps and wish you all the best.

No, I do not think you are seeing the final results of your surgery at 11 weeks post-op. As you know, during your surgery the abdominal wall skin with elevated; it may take many more months (and up to the year) for that skin to retract back to the form of the underlying musculoskeletal structure. As this retraction of skin occurs you will notice an improvement in the end result.

At this point, it would be helpful to continue to increase your activity level and watch your diet. I would also suggest  patience  and follow-up with your surgeon with questions and concerns.

Best wishes.