My stomach is still hard 3 months after lipo and it’s not flat. What’s happening? What do I do? (Photo)

Question

I had lipo 360 and BBL on March 7th. Since then my stomach was flat after surgery after a few days it retracted back and gotten bigger. My Stomach is still very hard after lipo also not flat as it was after surgery. I wire required garments ate healthy ect I’m just confused as to why I look like this and what steps I need to take to make it flat and soft. It very hard When I squeeze my belly there’s no fat but it pokes out. What’s going on

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your concerns after surgery, however it is still early in your recovery period. It can take as long as six months for all swelling to resolve and underlying scar tissue to soften. Concern of your bulging lower tummy may be diastases of your abdominal muscles and this can only be corrected with a tummy tuck. Discuss your concerns with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This could be residual fat, swelling, or a fluid collection.  An exam would be very helpful to assess.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. It can sometimes take up to 6 months for liposuction swelling to completely resolve so make sure you are following your surgeon's instructions and you should be continuing to address any concerns with him. If he is not answering your concerns and helping you through the process, these are signs you chose the wrong surgeon.Best of luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. There a couple reasons why this may be occurring. You could have some fat necrosis, in which case over time the area should soften. If it is fat necrosis and does not improve, surgical excision is necessary to remove the hard area. The other possibility is your have a bulge from a diastasis (widening) of your ab muscles. That requires sutures to tighten the muscles. Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  Real Self Hall of Fame

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

My stomach is still hard 3 months after lipo and it’s not flat. What’s happening? What do I do? (Photo)

Answers (5)