Tummy Tuck and Liposuction: 12 weeks post-op and still very swollen, is this normal? (Photos)

Question

Over 12 weeks post op and as you can see in photo my stomach is still very swollen. I see my surgeon 2 days ago and he told me that the problem is not with his operation but is something underneath in my stomach. What can I do i am stuck with a chubby belly, when I was told as I do athletics to a high standard my muscles were tight so he could give me a flat stomach I am 64 years old.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photos. Swelling after a Tummy Tuck is extremely common. Swelling can be visible for a few months. It is possible that there may be some fluid collection. The best thing to do would be to follow up with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You should expect to have swelling for three to six months following tummy tuck surgery. Use of a properly fitted compression garment will help decrease the length and severity of the post-operative swelling. As the swelling decreases, the contour of your abdomen, flanks, and hips will dramatically improve. Please follow your plastic surgeons specific advice regarding your level of physical activity. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hi Lyn and thanks for this question. I see your swelling, but I cannot make a diagnosis as to the cause online and without an examination. I think you will be served best by having a second opinion from another surgeon in your area. I suspect this could be prolonged swelling or a trapped fluid collection under the skin. You can test for this with an  ultrasound. The other possibility is that your original tummy tuck did not involve tightening the muscles and so your "pooch" continues after surgery.Again, a board certified plastic surgeon should be able to help you after an examination. Good luck, Dr. ALDO

Eric A. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

It does look like your abdomen is still swollen. Its not unusual to be swollen for 3-6 months after these procedures. At you age, I would expect it to be closer to 6 months. having said that, you could also have an abnormal fluid collection called a seroma. An ultrasound can determine if that's the case. The muscle plication could have broken down as well. If this is the case, surgical repair would be needed. However, your surgeon may have made the diagnosis as intra-abdominal fat may give you the same look, and this is corrected through weight loss.Eric Weiss MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Swelling is normal post-op and this can take a while to settle down.  As for the contour every one heals a bit differently, and the curvature of your spine, etc.. can impact the results.

Tummy Tuck and Liposuction: 12 weeks post-op and still very swollen, is this normal? (Photos)

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