Lower belly protruding after tummy tuck — Is this my final result? (photo)

Question

I’m 5 months post-op from a tummy tuck and lipo 360. In the past few weeks, I’ve noticed my lower belly protuding out and not completely flat. Even in the morning before I eat anything, it is not completely flat. I’ve maintained my weight since surgery, wear my compression garment and still get lymphatic massages once a week. Is this still inflammation lingering around or my final result??

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question!
Swelling after having a tummy tuck can last for up to a year. Give it some time. If you have any concerns or questions reach out to your surgeon for guidance. Best wishes!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your history and picture post-tummy tuck and Lipo 360. A few critical aspects come to mind regarding your lower belly protrusion.
Muscle Repair: The key concern is whether the rectus abdominis muscles were adequately sutured and if any rectus diastasis was corrected. It's essential to know if the region from your bellybutton to the pubic area was addressed. The protrusion you're seeing might result from weakened or inadequately repaired muscles.
Healing Time: At six months post-operation, there could still be residual swelling or changes occurring. Strengthening your core through exercises like planks and Pilates could help, but if after 12 months you still notice the protrusion, considering a surgical revision might be an option.
Internal Factors: It's also possible that the bulge isn't just about the surgery. Conditions like uterine fibroids can cause similar appearances. It might be worth consulting with an OB/GYN and considering an ultrasound to rule out any internal factors.
Lastly, continuous communication with your plastic surgeon is crucial to understanding the procedure specifics and whether any revisions might be necessary.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At five months post op the majority of the swelling has resolved and only minor changes would be anticipated ahead.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.  The cause of the fullness needs to be determined to know how to proceed.  If it is residual subcutaneous fat you can consider liposuction.  If it is internal fat (behind the muscle wall) weight loss would be needed for improvement.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

At 5 months post op you should no longer be wearing a surgical compression garment. There are studies that after 6-8 weeks compression like this can cause weakening of the abdominal muscles. You can have edema for a year or longer. Try a low salt diet and no alcohol. This can help cut down on the swelling.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest meeting with your primary care physician and being checked for food allergies.  You may have swelling because of your colon and not related to surgery.

Lower belly protruding after tummy tuck — Is this my final result? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Lower belly protruding after tummy tuck — Is this my final result?

Answer: Lower belly protruding after tummy tuck — Is this my final result?

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

Lower belly protruding after tummy tuck — Is this my final result? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Lower belly protruding after tummy tuck — Is this my final result?

Answer: Lower belly protruding after tummy tuck — Is this my final result?

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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