Swelling 6 months post tummy tuck - is this normal? (photos)

Question

I am 48 and had a TT 6months ago and am concerned with the level of swelling I have daily this far in. I opted for a standard TT instead of the fleur de lis and knew I would not be flat after a 80 lb weight loss and twin pregnany but it feels like an extreme difference throughout the day. I know it can take up to a year but I thought the majority would be resolved by now.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Imaginative680242,
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

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Swelling goes down significantly after 3-4 months. 
The cause of looking protruding several months after surgery is gaining weight with the increase of the visceral fat which only solution is to lose the weight and other reason may be being bloated which you have to figure out about your intestine and all intrabdominal organs health. 
Another reason may be the lack of muscle repair tightening. 
So start with the only thing on your side: lose weight (10 lbs at least)  and then visit your surgeon. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! Swelling can take a full year, and it's normal that it gets worse throughout the day. I would suggest wearing compression to help. If you are still dissatisfied after 1 year, you can check with your surgeon regarding a revision. Good luck!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on the series of posted photos and your postop issues I recommend ultrasound examination of your abdomen to rule out retained seroma/hematoma vs excess sub dermal fat or ventral diastasis. If just excess fat then liposuction with J-Plasma can improve. If split recti reoperation to re suture the muscle indicated. Best to virtual consult with...

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The majority of swelling from a tummy tuck should have resolved by six months post op.  If you are experiencing swelling throughout the day I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation.  Changes in abdominal contour can be related to several factors including diet, visceral/internal fat, seroma, and failure of muscle repair.  Your surgeon can guide you on what may be occurring after an exam.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

An examination is needed to be certain, but I suspect the swelling is internal and related to your diet and  possible food allergies. This would cause you to swell more throughout the day.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Based on your pictures, it doesn’t appear that you really needed a fleur-de-lis pattern. I don’t think horizontal skin laxity is causing your abdomen to bulge six months after surgery.
Bulging of the abdomen after this procedure is most likely due to excess visceral fat, or potentially insufficient muscle tightening. 
Differentiating between excess visceral, fat and muscle separation, is fairly straightforward, and should be done during preoperative consultations.
Assessing individuals for excess visceral fat can be done after a tummy tuck as well.
One way of doing this simply lay on your back and see if your abdomen goes completely flat in that position. If your abdomen bulges while laying on your back then visceral fat is most likely the underlying cause or culprit of your abdominal bulging.
Individuals who have excess visceral fat what have bulging of their abdomen after tummy tuck surgery, unless sufficient weight is lost to reduce the visceral fat.
Excess visceral fat is the most common reason for patients to have bulging after tummy tuck surgery.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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