3 months post op. I'm very disappointed and look worse! Why? (Photo)

Question

I had double hernia surgery & 3 days later went in for mini tummy tuck & lipo on abs/ flanks. I had 3 children & wanted laxity gone & better belly button. Big mistake - My swelling has not improved in last 6 weeks. I can't wear pants prior to surgery. I move & I swell. I'm still bruised from lipo. CAT can showed nothing unusual. Getting ultrasound in am. Very upset.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the photos it appears you were a better candidate for a standard tummy tuck versus a mini.  More time is needed for healing but you may need to consider a revision to improve your results.  After three children it is common to have muscle wall separation both above and below the belly button and skin laxity which often indicate a standard tummy tuck is recommended.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. I will suggest waiting six months for the final results, then consider a possible revision. Good luck with your recovery.

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

Generally, most swelling has resolved by three months after surgery , however extensive liposuction may take longer. If you had significant skin laxity above the umbilicus, this would not have been addressed by a mini tuck. I recommend my patients extensively massage after this type of procedure to help the swelling resolve. It may take several more months before you can exaluate your results.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If there has been no weight gain since surgery, you may have some excess fluid causing the swelling.  This should have showed on the CAT scan, but will show on ultrasound.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

thank you for your question.maybe it is a good idea to start wearing a post op garterfor the next ) weeks to see if it will improve the results a bit and control the swelling.best of luck

3 months post op. I'm very disappointed and look worse! Why? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Drderbysang

Answer: Drderbysang

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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

3 months post op. I'm very disappointed and look worse! Why? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Drderbysang

Answer: Drderbysang

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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