My stomach has fluids and swelling 7 months after TT. What can I do to get a flat stomach?

Question

Its been 7 months since my mini tummy tuck and reversse tummy tuck with some muscle repar no lipo and i was healed up but oneday for no reason my stomach had lots of fluid “seroma” and swelling i look double the size and all uneven what caused this and what can i do to get a flat stomach i still have extra skin ?

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Persistent swelling and fluid accumulation several months after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can be concerning and might indicate complications such as seroma, lymphedema, or other issues. Here are some steps you can take to address this issue:

Consult Your Surgeon: It's crucial to follow up with your plastic surgeon. They can assess the cause of the swelling and fluid buildup. This might involve a physical examination, ultrasound, or other imaging studies to determine the underlying issue.

Drainage Procedures: If you have a seroma (a collection of fluid), your surgeon may recommend drainage. This can sometimes be done in the office with a needle and syringe. In some cases, a more invasive procedure might be required to place a drain or address the fluid pocket.

Compression Garments: Wearing compression garments as recommended by your surgeon can help reduce swelling and support healing. If you stopped wearing them too soon, your surgeon might advise resuming their use.

Lymphatic Massage: Lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce swelling by encouraging the movement of lymph fluid through the body. Make sure to consult a certified therapist who specializes in post-surgical lymphatic massage.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy diet and regular, light exercise can promote healing and reduce swelling. Avoid high-sodium foods, which can contribute to fluid retention.

Medications: Sometimes, medications such as diuretics can be prescribed to reduce fluid retention, but this should be done under the supervision of your healthcare provider.

Re-evaluation for Revision Surgery: In some cases, if the swelling and fluid issues persist and significantly affect your results, your surgeon might discuss the possibility of revision surgery. This would involve correcting any issues from the initial procedure.

7 months post-surgery is a significant amount of time for healing, and persistent swelling should be evaluated by a professional. Be sure to communicate openly with your surgeon about your concerns and follow their recommendations closely.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Thatbootytho,
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 or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you have a seroma you need to return to your surgeon to have it addressed.  Often times it can be aspirated in the office until it heals.  Compression is helpful to avoid seroma formation. If there is excess skin then excision can be performed to address it.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make an assessment on the outcome of the plastic surgery procedure we need to see proper before and after pictures. If you don’t have before and after pictures, then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took. Seroma formation is not uncommon after tummy tuck surgery. This should generally be treated by draining the fluid as soon as it is identify. 
Untreated seromas can become a chronic seromas with the development of a capsule.
Ones a seroma becomes chronic with capsule formation, it is no longer treatable by simply draining it, and requires open excision.
I suggest you follow up with your plastic surgeon and get an evaluation and or intervention, if indicated.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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