One side of tummy tuck more swollen, is this extra skin/fat or normal swelling? (photos)

Hello CurvyBeauty and thanks for your question. Your photos show a nice result, but are not helpful in determining the cause of more fullness on one side versus the other. Since you're only 4 months out since surgery, I suspect it is likely swelling or fluid in the tissues. Having an examination by your plastic surgeon can help determine the real cause and it is what I would suggest. Congratulations on an overall nice result! Best, Dr. ALDO

There are always left to right differences in all body areas before and after any surgery. As such, healing may be different left to right as well.Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended. 

At this point in your recovery, it is much too soon to be worried about the outcome.  It takes time for the swelling to resolve.  It may be 6 months or more before the shape has reached its final look.  Be patient.   Watch your physical activity. Everyone is different.

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (4months post-po) the swelling have to be minimal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.If the fter six months post-op, I recommend you send us your photos again, to give you more information about how we can solve this problem.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to settle.



These can be improved with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as Embrace.  On occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.Now, it is possible that swelling will continue for some more months, but proper care of the area will help with healing. If you have any concerns or questions about healing it would be a good idea to see your surgeon to have the area evaluated for proper healing. Best of luck to you!