I still have overhang 5 weeks after tummy tuck, and a ridge is developing above the incision. Is it swelling? (Photo)

Question

I am so upset because I still have the overhang of skin! Where the scar is it indents and pooches out above it. Could this be swelling or will I need revision? If so will it be a mini Lipo procedure and what's the recovery time for that? The first days po I didn't have this. It was FLAT. This started to show up gradually after the drains were removed. There is no waviness indicating seroma and my ps said it wasn't that. He said give it time since it could still resolve but... Ugh! I'm so upset.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

The quick and easy answer is that swelling continues for 3-6 months after a tummy tuck, especially above the suture line.  It's interesting that the pictures you sent showing minimal swelling were with you lying down, and the pictures you sent showing increasing swelling are with you standing up.  This would indicate to me that the ridge you are concerned about is probably some abdominal skin that will tighten, and also due to the interruption of lymphatic drainage along the suture line due to the abdominoplasty incision interruption of the normal lymphatic drainage down into the groin.  The second picture that you sent which was at 2 weeks post op shows you in a panty girdle that has elastic at the waistline.   These type of elastic tops cause swelling to occur above them even without the trauma of a tummy tuck.  If you were my patient, I recommend you use only lace underwear which causes no constriction above the top of the panty.  Based on the pictures you sent and the history you gave, I would have to agree with your plastic surgeon that there are many reasons for this swollen ridge and very little indication of a seroma or residual fat at the suture line which needs to be liposuctioned out at a later date.  All in all, it appears that you had a great abdominoplasty.  Take a deep breath, give yourself and your plastic surgeon a break.  It appears to be all "G".

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

At 5 weeks, you are still in the very early stages of your recovery so yes, you are still swollen. I am sorry that you are so upset with your results, but as frustrating as it is, you need to be patient and give yourself time to heal. It will take anywhere from 3 months to a year to see your final results. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Without an exam it is impossible to give you an opinion. Five Weeks is too early to tell.. Edema, Seroma, and other causes may be explanations for example. I tell many of my patients that you should have about 85% of your results at 3 months and the full result by a yearClose follow up with your surgeon recommended. #tt#tummytuck

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, It could just be swelling,but in suspicious of a seroma. I would do a diagnostic aspiration in office to check. If I still had a concern, I would get a ultrasound. Best of luck.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (5 weeks post-po) the swelling is normal. To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question and photos. I am sorry you are unhappy. You are five months into your post operative period. Swelling can persist for
several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months,
six months, and even one year. It may take several
months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and
for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive
surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars
may stay red, become thick or widen . It can take 12-18 months for the scars to
settle.I recommend that you schedule an evaluation with your PS to determine what is causing this swelling. It will help to ease your mind and/or treat any issue causing this swelling. Kind Regards!#Swelling #TT #evaluation

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

It is very common to suffer from swelling  after a tummy tuck. Swelling can take several months to truly resolve.  However, there can be more concerning causes for major swelling  that should be ruled out, so don't hesitate to speak with your plastic surgeon if there are any concerns. Drink plenty of water, wear your garment, increase your activity and decrease your sodium intake. These can all help.

Ravi Somayazula, DO · Answer

It is normal to have swelling after surgery at 5 weeks. It typically takes 3 months for all the swelling to subside. You should contact your plastic surgeon and follow his or her recommendations. I instruct my patients to wear the compression garment from the thighs to the abdomen for 8 weeks. If it becomes lose, then we place them into a tighter garment. Also, I recommend lymphatic massage. Sometimes a seroma can cause this, however if you plastic surgeon does not feel this is the case, then patience is key. Every surgeon has slightly different protocols, so you might ask your plastic surgeon about some of these recommendations. good luck and remember patience is key!regards,Dr. Ravi Somayazula

Brian Arslanian, MD · Answer

HiSorry about your problems.  Swelling can persist for 3-6 months after a tummy tuck plus/minus liposuction.  Your scarring is also at its worst at this point.  The scarring should begin to soften up and the swelling should continue to go down over the next several months.  You should see your surgeon to discuss and make sure they have no concerns that anything else is going on.  Good Luck

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the photos and question but you are only 5 weeks post op so give more time for swelling to resolve.  If this is not swelling, lipo will fix the problemDr Corbin

I still have overhang 5 weeks after tummy tuck, and a ridge is developing above the incision. Is it swelling? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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