Uneven flanks after tummy tuck and lipo? Swelling or final result? (photos)

Question

I am currently 7 weeks post op from a tummy tuck and lipo. I love my results but I'm concerned about my flanks. They are uneven and at 7 weeks I'm worried that this is no longer swelling and that I will need revision liposuction. I wear a waist trainer for 12 hours every day and I still have noticed a difference in my sides I go back to my doctor in 5 weeks just wanted a quick opinion so I know what to expect in 5 weeks!

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  You do have a mild amount of asymmetry that is most likely associated with swelling and skeletal/postural asymmetry.  Bruising and swelling is often the cause of asymmetry because it occurs in an uneven way.  At 7 weeks you definitely still have swelling. It will take 4-6 months to fully assess your results.  If you had flank liposuction, it can also be a cause of asymmetry but this is easily addressed with touch up lipo.  Unrecognized skeletal asymmetry is a more difficult issue. Many patients have scoliosis and pelvic/hip tilting that affects the contour of their back, hips, flanks and abdomen.  If identifed preop, you can have a discussion with the patient about the issue and how it will affect your results postop.  If it isn't recognized, then it can become a concern about the procedure.  A good way to tell if this asymmetry is due to your skeleton, is to relax your body and have someone else take a full body photo from the front and the back without clothing.  If your shoulders, shoulder blades, back skin folds, buttocks, or hips are uneven, then your flank asymmetry is likely due to a skeletal issue and not the procedure.  I hope this helps!  All the best!

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photo. It is still a bit early to be judging your results. It is likely that swelling is still present. The best thing to do is be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon so he can examine you more thoroughly. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

As others have noted, you will need to wait at least a few more months to really determine what is swelling and what is residual fat.  If it is residual fat, you may need a small touchup if it is really bothering you.  But, in the meantime, to worry about this may be time poorly spent, because this may not bother you at all in a few months.  Try to give it some time.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for the photos. Considering you are only 7 weeks post op, your healing and overall contour is excellent. Combination of procedures often implies longer swelling in the abdominal and flanks area. I would not be concerned at all at this stage. On average 3 to 4 months are necessary to see the final result. If you want some reassurance, you might want to see your plastic surgeon for a follow up appointment. Patience will be the best strategy. Once the result is stable, you will then be able to discuss with your plastic surgeon the best course of action. All the best.Andrea Marando, Manchester, UK.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some of this may be swelling, some may be anatomical differences from side to side. I would give it 6 months or so.

Uneven flanks after tummy tuck and lipo? Swelling or final result? (photos)

Answers (5)

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