4 weeks post-op tummy tuck swelling, should I be concerned? (Photos)

Based on your pictures it looks like you do have lots of swelling, I recommend you continue to follow up with your PS.

Thank you for your question and for sharing your post-op experience. Based on what you’ve described and your photos, it appears that the swelling you're experiencing is normal for being 4 weeks post-op. At this stage, you are still in the early phases of healing, and it’s quite common to have significant swelling, especially in the lower abdomen and pubic area.

Swelling after a tummy tuck, particularly when combined with liposuction, can persist for several weeks or even months. The “pooch” at the bottom you’re concerned about is likely caused by fluid retention and inflammation, which is part of the body’s natural healing process. Even though the swelling may seem excessive compared to other post-op photos, every patient heals differently, and the location of your incision being lower into the pubic area can also contribute to more noticeable swelling in that region.

Since your doctor has not expressed any concerns during follow-ups, this likely indicates that there is no need to worry at this point. However, it’s important to keep monitoring the swelling, and if it worsens or becomes painful, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon again.

I hope this provides some reassurance and helps you through your recovery process.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Hi, Thank you for your post. Congratulations on your surgery. It is hard to tell you what is going on without seeing what you looked like prior to surgery. It does appear to be a little more swelling than normal. I would recommend follow up with your plastic surgeon to make sure that everything is healing properly and that you do not have any fluid collecting in that area.

Compressions are most important especially after the drains are removed to prevent pockets of fluid from forming.  Follow up with your Plastic Surgeon with any concerns.

HelloIs good to remember that you're still in the healing process and that each patient has an individualrecovery process. It is also important that your doctor knows everything is happening to you, I recommend you to visit your plastic surgeon so that he/she can evaluate you again and know what any other issue you may have and treat it. Best wishes.Dr. Israel Mañon
Certified Plastic Surgeon

You do appear to have an abnormal amount of infra umbilical fullness. Without seeing your preops and knowing exactly what was done, it's not possible to give a precise answer. I suggest you follow up with your surgeon and voice you concerns. 

It's hard to say exactly what's going on without the benefit of pictures that show what you look like prior to surgery and the ability to examine you. From what I can see in your pictures it appears that you may still have  some loose skin. The bulging of the lower abdomen could be swelling, fluid, muscle laxity or residual redundant skin and fat.  It is still early in your recovery process and it is possible that this is all swelling that will resolve with time. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  They are in the best position to answer your question. If you are not satisfied with their explanation consider getting a second opinion.