I had lipo and tummy tuck 15 weeks ago. I have a lot of swelling. Is this normal?

Question

I still have a lot of swelling at the end of the day. My stomach always feels as if I just finished eating a big meal. Is this normal:

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

At 15 weeks after surgery you are still early.  However, when you combine liposuction with tummy tuck, the swelling is increased and prolonged.

David A. Bottger, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Intermittent abdominal swelling after tummy tuck surgery is common and quite variable in duration. It can be minimal immediately after the procedure and then increase over the first several months, commonly fluctuating at different parts of the day. It is best to be patient, knowing that it should reduce over time. This period can be up to a year. Rarely there will be some persistence beyond this time period. Of course other causes of swelling such as seroma need to be ruled out by your plastic surgeon.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  You are still very early in your healing process. I advise my patients that it takes at least 3-6 months for all of the swelling to resolve.  You may notice that your swelling will wax and wane with your activity.  Consider wearing a compression garment or spanx when you are more active, as this may help decrease the swelling.  Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure; hopefully you will be very pleased with the long term results of surgery.
 Remember that it is always best to  follow-up with your plastic surgeon to rule out treatable causes of postoperative swelling ( for example seroma).   Once you have peace of mind that your recovering is proceeding “normally” patience will be necessary.
Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year  (or greater)  for complete skin redraping  to occur.
I hope this helps.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

It could be residual swelling from surgery or swelling you are getting from the inside of your gastrointestinal tract.  You should see you PS so that she/he can examine you and go over your symptoms to find out what exactly is going on.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Unfortunately, without a physical exam or photos it is difficult to say whether or not you are having a problem.  I would suggest you check back with your surgeon and have them examine your abdomen.  It may be normal healing or you may have a seroma which could be treated with aspiration.

I had lipo and tummy tuck 15 weeks ago. I have a lot of swelling. Is this normal?

Answers (6)

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