Why do I still look pregnant 8 months after Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Question

8 Months almost 9, after a tummy tuck and muscle tightening with hernia repair with biological mesh I look pregnant. I'm NOT pregnant just look like it. Why?? I have a bulge at the incision line.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Swelling in the tissues should for the most part be resolved at 8 months.  Causes for this may involve a seroma under the skin which is fluid accumulating in the dissection plane.  You need to be evaluated by your plastic sugeon to determine this.  Another reason may be dehiscence of the abdominal wall plication.  This may be harder to determine.  Keep close contact with your plastic surgeon to help resolve this issue.  Best wishes!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture. It would be helpful if we had a before  picture. Your contour abnormality is most likely due to failure of your hernia repair and muscle tightening. I would revisit with your general surgeon and/or plastic surgeon as to your options at this point.Good luck.Earl Stephenson Jr MD D.D.S. FA CS

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

cannot really be commented on unless your pre-op photos are present to compare with as there is a very wide range of starting points.  If you had 3 rolls and pinched 5 cm thick on your skin, I would think you have a great result.  What did your tummy look like when you were flat on your back before your surgery?  That is a great predictor of what your post-op result will be like.  And when you took your before photos, where you holding your tummy in?  Or relaxed and letting it hang out like it appears you are doing in your post- op photo?  Finally, since you had a hernia, your hernia repair may have failed which would affect your tummy tuck results.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Hard to be specific, But a scan might gives an idea if there is residual fluids/blood under the skin/fat flap///

Gordon Lewis, MD · Answer

I agree with you, that that the appearance of your abdomen after your tummy tuck is not ideal. It is difficult to give you an answer why.  Preoperative photographs would give us a better idea of improvement that was made, or areas where no improvement was made.  It is also unusual that you would need a mesh repair.I would suggest revisiting this issue with your plastic surgery, or if you are unhappy with him, finding a new plastic surgeon in the area to discuss this with.Good luck

Why do I still look pregnant 8 months after Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Why do I still look pregnant 8 months after Tummy Tuck?

Answer: Why do I still look pregnant 8 months after Tummy Tuck?

Answer: Appearance of abdomen after tummy tuck

Answer: Appearance of abdomen after tummy tuck

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Why do I still look pregnant 8 months after Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Why do I still look pregnant 8 months after Tummy Tuck?

Answer: Why do I still look pregnant 8 months after Tummy Tuck?

Answer: Appearance of abdomen after tummy tuck

Answer: Appearance of abdomen after tummy tuck

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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.