6 Months After Abdominoplasty NO Lipo Should I Look Like This? (photo)

Based on your photo, you look like you have some swelling above the level of the incision. I have seen swelling in the lower abdominal area that persists for up to 1 year after abdominoplasty. Alternatively, if your upper abdominal skin and fatty layer thickness was preoperatively thicker than your pubic/groin area thickness, it is not unusual to see a discrepancy, or step-off, when a surgeon sutures a thicker skin/fat layer to a thinner skin/fat layer. On a similar note, any stretch marks that were present above your umbilicus do remain but are now in a lower location on the abdominal wall.  Skin loss can be a risk with central abdominal liposuction at the same time as tummy tuck,  so I typically do not thin the central abdominal area during any abdominoplasty. I am sure your plastic surgeon will be able to advise you about whether it is swelling or fat. If it is fat, a second stage central abdominal liposuction procedure will improve the contours, however, expect financial obligation for additional procedures. I hope I addressed your concerns.

It all depends on whether the swelling is related to excess fat or swelling.  Both are normal, but excess fat can be removed with liposuction at this stage if it is indeed fat. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Thank you for your photo.  It is difficult to say if your result could be better because there was no before photo provided.  

Dr. ES

Part of you problem is your lack of skin elasticity as evidenced by your multiple stretch marks.  You certainly could be improved with skin revision and possibly liposuction of the lateral hips.  

It really does take a full year to finally see your final result due to all the different parts of healing and their timing.  Swelling is often the most difficult to deal with emotionally.  You tend to get some bulging just above the scar because the scar restricts the resolution of swelling as a lymphatic barrier while gravity is actually pushing some of that swelling downward into this area.  If it feels firm and thicker than above, try deep massage, working laterally towards your hips instead of downward.  A vibrator can help soften those tissues with the secondary benefit of faster swelling uptake and resolution.  It can also help soften the scars and help localized nerve pains.  I have also seen posture contribute to the way you look.  Most that need their muscles tightened have a chronic forward pelvic tilt, which makes that lower fullness look worse.  There is an exercise that may help this.  Stand with your back to the wall with your hands behind you over your sacrum (middle back of the pelvic area).  Try to push against your hands into the wall.  You may need to do this by rolling your hips. 

Liposuction and abdominoplasty are separate and distinctly different procedures.  It is best to be evaluated  to determine which procedures are appropriate .

You needed to post a before photo so we could compare! My guess is you have a very acceptable result. Maybe your expectations were higher than achievable?