Is This Normal Swelling After a Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Obviously it is difficult to tell from a picture but here are some thoughts.  Yes absolutely there is a lot of swelling especially just above your incision and that will take at least 6wks to improve.  Things will definitely flatten with time.  That being said there is always a possibility that you have fluid build up aka Seroma and just because your doctor tried to aspirate it doesnt mean he got into the right pocket.  Many times the fluid is loculated and in pockets that are missed.  Re-aspiration and even an ultra sound are possibilities.   Lastly it depends on your activity level.  The more active you are the more fluid you build.  Also you are not standing straight yet.  Once you become erect the bottom of your TT will flatten more.  Hope that helps

Thank you for your question, 
While swelling after tummy tuck is very common, I recommend you meet with your board certified plastic surgeon with any post op concerns you have so they can examine you in person and address them. This way your doctor can take care of you properly, as it is hard to tell from pictures whether swelling is normal or not.
Best Of Luck!
Dhaval Patel 
Plastic Surgeon 
Double Board Certified 
Hoffman Estates, IL 
Oakbrook, IL
Orland Park, IL
Chicago, IL

Although you may not be able to see it, you are definitely affected by swelling at this time. Tummy tucks are extensive surgeries that are quite traumatic, and your body reacts with swelling and bruising. Wait a few months for this to subside, because it will with proper care. Make sure to not be in bed all day- get up and walk around plus eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids.

Swelling is common after surgery and you'll find that it adds the pounds as well. Allow yourself a couple of months for the majority of swelling to subside, as this is generally how long it takes. You'll find that your weight will gradually reduce as the swelling subsides.Tips to help swelling:drink fresh water and go to the washroom regularlycut down on saltleisurely walk around to keep your circulation goingwear your compression garment as advisedeat a healthy and balanced dietPlease talk to your surgeon if swelling is of particular concern, as they may be able to help you with advice specific to your situation. Best of luck!

Great question-

Your abdomen does seem somewhat convex after a full abdominoplasty- but it is too early to tell if it is swelling or a seroma.  I would continue your proscribed postoperative care regimen and see your surgeon next week as planned.. Let us know how it goes.

 

thanks
 

Thanks for your question and pic. Nothing looks out of the ordinary at this point. As has been mentioned, swelling is normal at this point. Your appearance is affected by not being able to stand up straight and likely some bloating. It is also very common to have a small area that is slow to heal in that long incision. Hang in there. It should get better overy the next couple of weeks.

Swelling is very common in the first weeks after a tummy tuck. It's also important to remember that your posture may still not be normal, accentuating the "bulge" of your tummy. Once you are standing up fully erect, and able to tighten and "suck in" your abdominal muscles, your tummy will look flatter. The two potential problems that might require actual treatment at this time would be a hematoma (collection of blood or clot) or a seroma, as you mentioned. I don't see much bruising in the photo, as one would expect with a hematoma. If there is a significant seroma, aspiration should retrieve some fluid. Since it did not, I suspect that you don't have a major seroma. If the bulging worsens, another aspiration could be attempted. Your photo is not especially worrisome, and chances are things will improve with time. Your plastic surgeon is your best resource for information, since he or she has examined you. Best Wishes! 

Many thanks for posting your question. 

It is much too early to assess the flatness of your abdomen - your current shape may be a result of a combination of:


you not standing up straight yet

A fluid collection (a seroma) that can be assessed by your plastic surgeon at your next visit

Bloating of your abdomen - have your bowels got back into their "regular routine" yet - this can often have an early impact on the shape of the abdomen


Please do not worry - I am sure your plastic surgeon will be able to assess you and do whatever is needed to address any problems.

Your result actually looks good, and should continue to improve with time!

only an exam with your P.S. can tell for sure, and when in doubt consider a sonogram. From the photo alone it looks as though you have intra abdominal bloating which is common from the pain meds, but only a hands on exam or sonogram can tell for sure if you have seroma. Check in with your ps if you are worried.

Thank you for your question.  It appears that you have a significant amount of postop swelling but not outside the norm for combined procedures.  Combining procedures such as a tummy tucck, breast surgery and liposuction can result in a dramatic amount of swelling in some patients. Additionally, in your situation the suturing of the muscles causes you to not stand up straight which contributes to the appearance of not having a flat tummy.  If your surgeon examined you and checked for a seroma, it sounds like you should continue to improve over the next couple of weeks. Most of the swelling will improve by 3-4 weeks and the remainder will take 3-4 months to resolve. As you become more active the swelling will temporarily start to go up and down...don't be alarmed this is normal.  As the body heals itself, the swelling will resolve and stay away.  Share your concerns with your surgeon at your next visit, but it sounds like things are progressing normally and that you are being well cared for. All the best.