Swelling and upper abdomen protruding - what could this be? (Photo)

Question

When I wake up my belly is flat but as the day goes on I swell; which I expected. What I didn't expect was much of it would be in upper ab area where muscle repair was done. 1 part in particular about 3 in. above belly button/ left of my upper ab muscle is sore. I began feeling it 2 weeks ago after a sneezing fit. In picture with shirt on- after a day of shopping; my stomach swelled up in this area so badly that it looked odd. Also, Is this cellulite or swelling in other pictures?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.To reduce the swelling, 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. Emma Mallol Cotes.-

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling can persist for
several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months,
six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and
penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two
weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.

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.It is likely that swelling may persist for months, but if you find yourself concerned about healing then it is best to visit your surgeon to have the area examined. You will be able to receive informative advice and details based upon your specific case. Good luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and series of photographs.  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. Once a diagnosis is made, the best treatment plan can be determined.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Since there has been a change in your post op course, please contact your surgeon so he/she can examine you and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan at this time.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The tightness may be related to eating and the plication, it may be swelling, it may be fluid.  Best to review with your surgeon.

Swelling and upper abdomen protruding - what could this be? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Revision/Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty/Liposuction/High Definition Procedures

Answer: Tummy Tuck Revision/Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty/Liposuction/High Definition Procedures

Answer: Fullness upper abdomen

Answer: Fullness upper abdomen

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Swelling and upper abdomen protruding - what could this be? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Revision/Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty/Liposuction/High Definition Procedures

Answer: Tummy Tuck Revision/Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty/Liposuction/High Definition Procedures

Answer: Fullness upper abdomen

Answer: Fullness upper abdomen

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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