Why is my upper belly poking out after my recent tummy tuck? 1 week post op. (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 1 week ago and I am not very happy with my results. I know that it is very early days and everyone says that there is alot of swelling but is it normal that my upper belly pokes out so much especially when I sit down. When I suck in the upper belly then it looks flat but when I leave it out normally then it really sticks out. Please see my photos. Is this normal?

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. What you're seeing and experiencing is likely due to a combination of swelling and surgical dissection. When the upper abdominal skin flap is raised off of the abdominal wall and then lowered again, there can be some space which can be accentuated when sitting. I would suggest speaking with your Plastic Surgeon about your concerns - just to make sure that your muscles were tightened above your belly button, and to likely stay in your compression. But yes, you are very very early in the post-operative period and will continue to go through a lot of changes as you heal. Best of luck!

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The lumpiness, swelling, itching and hardness after a surgery like you had typically persists at least 8 weeks after the surgery then slowly goes away. In my experience, daily massage of the hard areas makes the biggest difference in getting rid of it sooner rather than later. It can easily take 6 months or more to see results. Your scars will usually flatten and fade between 9-12 months but can sometimes take closer to 18 months. Scar fading depends on your genetics. Be sure to keep any scheduled follow up appointments you have with your surgeons for his evaluation and advice. Hope this helps.
Dean Vistnes, M.D.
Vistnes Plastic Surgery
San Francisco Bay Area
#realself #drdeanvistnes #minitummytuck

Why is my upper belly poking out after my recent tummy tuck? 1 week post op. (photos)

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Why is my upper belly poking out after my recent tummy tuck? 1 week post op. (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.