How Can You Tell the Difference Between Swelling and Just Having Fat After a Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Question

I am almost 2 weeks PO and had a Full TT. I am worried that either I have swelling or I should have had liposuction with my TT. When I asked my PS if I needed liposuction he said , "We'll everyone can use lipo, but spend another $1000, no, you don't need it." It was a strange answer to my question but I took his response in terms that my body does not need any. Please let me know how to distinguish fat from swelling.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

I would definitely wait 6 to 8 weeks after your abdominoplasty to reach any conclusions. It can take up to eight weeks after an abdominoplasty for the abdominal swelling to disappear. Then there may be certain days when you are more active and the abdominal swelling recurs for several days. This is not uncommon. At this point in time, I would not worry too much. I would suggest compression 24 / 7. I would also minimize abdominal muscle work, specifically situps. If your abdomen still troubles you eight weeks after your tummy tuck, I would suggest you revisit with your board-certified plastic surgeon. However, I doubt you'll need revision. Good luck. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Patients should wait at least 3 months after tummy tuck before considering liposuction, because swelling figures prominently in the postoperative period.  Additional liposuction can always be done to improve flanks, abdomen, or both.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

2 weeks after surgery you are still swollen.  While most of the swelling should be gone by about 4 weeks, it usually takes 3 months to see the final results.  I would recommend being patients and allowing your body to fully heal before you think of any revisions.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is in the best position to advise you, but it is likely that there is still some swelling so it is too early to tell if there is excess fat. It is typical with a tummy tuck to remove any extra fat in the area, which isn't usually done with liposuction so that may be the source of your confusion. Lipo may be done in adjacent areas though, such as on the sides to improve the waistline.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Your posted photos are not of enough exposure of the areas. Obtain in person second opinions to understand exactly what surgery you had.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Swelling and Just Having Fat After a Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Some swelling typical early after tummy tuck

Answer: Some swelling typical early after tummy tuck

Answer: How Can You Tell the Difference Between Swelling and Just Having Fat After a Tummy Tuck?

Answer: How Can You Tell the Difference Between Swelling and Just Having Fat After a Tummy Tuck?

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How Can You Tell the Difference Between Swelling and Just Having Fat After a Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Some swelling typical early after tummy tuck

Answer: Some swelling typical early after tummy tuck

Answer: How Can You Tell the Difference Between Swelling and Just Having Fat After a Tummy Tuck?

Answer: How Can You Tell the Difference Between Swelling and Just Having Fat After a Tummy Tuck?

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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.