Why is there swelling above my incision line after my TT? (Photo)

Question

I had a TT on 5/26. I have bulging above my incision line. I've seen other pictures of women and they don't appear to have that bulge. My PS says I am healing great. Is this just swelling?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  It is difficult without an in-person examination to determine what may be taking place.  Most commonly this is residual swelling from surgery which will spontaneously resolve but it would be important to voice your concerns to your surgeon to ensure that other issues are not taking place - discrete fluid collection, muscle laxity, or residual adipose tissue. Hope this helps.

Douglas Leppink, MD · Answer

All patients have some swelling above their incision line after a Tummy Tuck and this is caused by the division of the lymphatic vessels that drain the abdominal skin and fat of the natural fluid that leaks out of our working muscles. Usually that fluid in the abdomen skin and fat drains by gravity into lymph nodes in the groin, but a Tummy Tuck incision cuts those drainage vessels, and so fluid will accumulate above the incision. The good news is that the body will restore that normal drainage pattern, and the swelling above the incision will go away, but it may take months. Most patients report that in the morning their tummies look flat (fluid drains into their back when they are lying down) but when they are up during the day the swelling above the incision accumulates again. This cycle occurs daily but will slowly become less over time. Please be patient and continue to check with your Plastic Surgeon to make sure that nothing else is happening.

Why is there swelling above my incision line after my TT? (Photo)

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Why is there swelling above my incision line after my TT? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.