Swelling after Tummy tuck. Is it suppose to be getting worse before it gets better again? (photos)

Hi, thank you for your question. Swelling is quite normal after a tummy tuck. Swelling can persist for several months and
will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and
even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men
can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to
gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate. I suggest you request a face to face evaluation from your PS to determine the cause of your swelling. If it is a seroma, it can be drained to decrease the fluid. It is best to work with your PS. Best Wishes!#swelling  #tummytuck  #evaluation 

Hello Prettymum. Seroma formation is very common after tummy tuck and the symptoms sound like what you're describing. Be sure to notify your PS as your condition may require treatment if a seroma is confirmed. Best, Dr. ALDO

Typically swelling increases for 2-3 days then slowly gets better for most. Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However it may take 6-9 months to disappear completely. Wearing your TED stockings at all times, except while washing, to prevent venous clots (deep vein thrombosis) is mandatory.#tummytuck#TT#swellingaftertummytuck

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided information with pictures as well... Improvement in your figure and harmonious body contour. The recovery process is gradual and it will take a few months to get the final results. Your abdomen should remain steady and flat for a few years unless you get pregnant, or gain or lose significant weight. But it is important to note that the effects of gravity and aging will be felt as the years pass.It is completely normal that your belly changes to swollen and the flat for a couple of weeks after the procedure. You'll be fine if you add compression.

Swelling after a tummy tuck procedure is the rule. The location and extent of your swelling may be dependent upon the technique used. Swelling below the new belly button and in the pubic area is common and often is the last area to improve. Sometimes a fluid collection called a seroma forms. This frequently has to be drained by use of a needle by your doctor. I typically tell my patients that they should expect swelling to mostly subside by 3-4 months postoperatively but sometimes it may take up to 6 months. You should bring your concerns to your plastic surgeons attention.

If the swelling is getting worse, there could be a possible seroma developing. I would consult your surgeon to get it aspirated. It is a side effect of the tummy tuck procedure and should reside after a few sessions of aspiration. Best of luck!

It is not unusual to have swelling in the lower abdomen after a tummy tuck but it sounds like you may be developing a seroma, which is a collection of fluid under the skin.  You need to have this checked out by your plastic surgeon.  

I would encourage you to see your surgeon to discuss your concerns.  As my colleagues have pointed out, it will be important to differentiate simple swelling, or fluid within the soft tissue, from a seroma, a pocket of fluid between the soft tissue and the fascia overlying the muscle.  This is usually pretty easy to assess on physical exam, as when you tap the abdominal wall, a seroma will look as if you tossed a pebble in a pond.  Simple edema resolves over time with conservative care, while most seromas are aspirated with a small needle. In general patients experience the most swelling right after surgery, with complete resolution over months.  Occasionally, I see patients who experience more swelling a few weeks after surgery, as their activity level returns to normal, before they have entirely healed.  Best of luck!

Must rule out seroma/hematoma forming>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Thank you for the question. Edema (swellin) certainly can play a role in post op swelling. However, another possibility is fluid collection (seroma).This is best evaluated by your plastic surgeon. The treatment is usually simply withdrawing of fluid with needles. Good luck.