All week long I've been experiencing more swelling/bloating. I've noticed my belly pops out alot and even thought I'm told not to worry about it it's hard not to. The swelling is noticeable through my clothes. I'm wearing my binder at night and trying to eat healthy with low sodium and plenty of water. Looking at my pictures I'm definitely more swollen now than I was a few weeks ago. I just wanted to share. Thank you doctors for responding.
February 17, 2018
Answer: Swelling after abdominoplasty Congratulations on your new figure! Although you did not provide before images, your abdomen looks great with a low incision that is easily covered and a natural looking umbilicus. The swelling on the lower abdominal wall should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon to differentiate a seroma from edema. A seroma would be a fluid collection that develops in the plane between the muscles and the flap of skin and fat that has been elevated, while edema is swelling within the tissue itself. If you have a seroma, it usually can be managed easily with needle aspiration and compression. If you simply have swelling, it will improve over time and may be aided by compression and massage. It is not unusual for patients to have increased swelling a few months after surgery as they increase physical activity. Be reassured that it will resolve as you get farther out from your procedure.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
February 17, 2018
Answer: Swelling after abdominoplasty Congratulations on your new figure! Although you did not provide before images, your abdomen looks great with a low incision that is easily covered and a natural looking umbilicus. The swelling on the lower abdominal wall should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon to differentiate a seroma from edema. A seroma would be a fluid collection that develops in the plane between the muscles and the flap of skin and fat that has been elevated, while edema is swelling within the tissue itself. If you have a seroma, it usually can be managed easily with needle aspiration and compression. If you simply have swelling, it will improve over time and may be aided by compression and massage. It is not unusual for patients to have increased swelling a few months after surgery as they increase physical activity. Be reassured that it will resolve as you get farther out from your procedure.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
February 17, 2018
Answer: Post Abdominoplasty Swelling Thank you for your question and sharing photos. It sounds like you are following your doctor's recommendations and you should continue to do so. The healing process can take anywhere from 6-12 months. It is not uncommon for the area to be swollen followed by being less swollen then swollen again from day to day or week to week. With that being said, I would still suggest that you contact your plastic surgeon and schedule a follow-up to ensure that you aren't experiencing any complications. Best of luck for a healthy recovery.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
February 17, 2018
Answer: Post Abdominoplasty Swelling Thank you for your question and sharing photos. It sounds like you are following your doctor's recommendations and you should continue to do so. The healing process can take anywhere from 6-12 months. It is not uncommon for the area to be swollen followed by being less swollen then swollen again from day to day or week to week. With that being said, I would still suggest that you contact your plastic surgeon and schedule a follow-up to ensure that you aren't experiencing any complications. Best of luck for a healthy recovery.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
