I had a tummy tuck November of last year. I am still 2 months away from my year surgery. Why am I still swollen from my abdomen?

Your symptoms are not uncommon. I think there is too much pressure inside the abdomen possibly from making it too tight or from weight gain. Weight gain is the number one cause of dissatisfaction with tummy tucks

Thank you for your question.
Post-operative swelling can last for an entire year. You will see the majority of it come down during the first three months. Make sure that you are wearing a tight abdominal garment to aid in decreasing the swelling. After the third month if you are still concerned, I would recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon.

Thank you for your question about recovery from a tummy tuck and for including photos!

For specific questions like this and about your recovery in general, it is best to speak directly with your doctor or doctor’s representative – such as his or her nurse, or the physician on call for the practice.

You will likely get many differing opinions from members of the RealSelf Community, but they have not personally seen or examined you. Nobody should know you or your unique set of circumstances better than your doctor.

If you feel you are not being listened to or you are doubting your doctor’s recommendations, then it is certainly within your rights to seek a second opinion and get the advice from another board certified physician. This should be done through an in-person consultation with a thorough evaluation, including a review of your history, review of all prior treatment and with a physical examination.

Obviously, if you think that you are having a medical emergency or other serious problem, you should call 911 and/or go to your nearest emergency room.

Best Wishes.

Hello and thank you for your question.
Swelling can last for a while with a tummy tuck, even up to a year. Contact your surgeon with your concerns and to have the area looked at. Best wishes!

Hello @Versatile178854, thank you for your question and showing you pictures. I understand your concern. It is important to take into account several aspects among which is the surgical technique applied, and to evaluate if there is something else at a systemic level to make you still swollen. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS

Hi Versatile178854,
Swelling after abdominoplasty surgery is extremely common and can persist well beyond a year. The body's lymphatic system is disrupted during a tummy tuck. Until this normalizes again you will have ongoing swelling, some days worse than others. Also, depending on the extent of liposuction you had (if any) during your surgery, your swelling may persist longer than others. What some perceive as swelling could also be residual fat under the abdominal skin as well-this can oftentimes be removed with liposuction. We always recommend speaking directly with your surgeon for evaluation as they know your body best.
Dr. Andre P. MarshallDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Dear Versatile178854,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You may have some internal swelling which is not addressed or treated with surgery. I would suggest going back to your surgeon and being examined, and having an ultrasound done of your abdomen.

At ten months post op you should not be experiencing regular, noticeable swelling. If it truly is bloating you may need to talk to a GI physician. It is more likely however a result of residual fat (subcutaneous or visceral) or that further abdominal tightening is needed.

At one year post op, there is no further swelling. Convexity (outward curving) of the abdomen may be caused by several things. Excess fat (from the upper abdominal flap which is pulled down with the surgery), weight gain, insufficient tightening of the lower abdominal muscles
A physical exam would answer these questions