8 weeks post-op and stomach is still as distended as it was pre surgery. I don’t look like I had anything done. Advice? (photos)

Question

I had hernia and muscle repair. Surgeon used my c-section scar making it slightly longer. He fixed the diastasis recti, took a good amount of skin off, from what he said, and I was able to keep my belly button. At 4 weeks out I looked better. Lately I look 3-4 months pregnant. Right side is more swollen than left. Dr would like to give it more time and if tissue doesn’t settle he’ll order CT scan. Is this normal? Will I ever see results?

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for sharing with us your concern and photos. 
Total recovery for a Tummy Tuck is around 4- 6 months after surgery to see your final results. 8 weeks post-op you still have inflammation. I also recommend to my patient's help their body with a compression garment/ Faja, and used it for a total of 3 months daily and take off just for cleaning or a few hours to rest. 
Keep talking with your Surgeon and He can determine after your recovery time what will be the next step in case the results what you get is not what are you looking for. 
Best of luck,
Dr. Quiroz!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ChWchester,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a tummy tuck surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Swelling and/or fluid collection are the two most common reasons for the increase in size after surgery.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Ryan Hoffman, MD · Answer

Without an in person exam this is a difficult thing to answer. It could be fluid. It could be swelling. It could be that your diastasis repair came apart. Check in with your operating surgeon and voice your concerns.

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

Based on the photos and your timeline, it is time that you rule out a seroma or fluid collection.  A Ct scan would be a good place to start.  There is more information needed to be more precise in helping you, but for the purposes of this forum, this would be your best bet and advice that I would give you.Good luck, hope this helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and series of photographs and I am sorry that your results have not been what you anticipated.  It is difficult without an in-person examination to determine what may be taking place. In most cases this is persistent swelling which will resolve spontaneously given sufficient time.  It is important, however, to ensure that other issues are not taking place - discrete fluid collection, muscle laxity, or residual adipose tissue.  Since your surgeon knows the full details of your operation, they are in the best position to provide you with a diagnosis and treatment option.  Best wishes.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) It is still early after your procedure. Swelling may last for 3-6 months. Be patient, and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal. 
If you are not happy with the results then, l recommend you to make an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a proper answer and to talk about your goals and anything you need to know.
Good luck :)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your description it is best for you to return to your surgeon to determine what is causing the distention.  Some swelling is still expected at this point, so it could be related to that.  However you stated that the swelling is increasing and asymmetric.  The CT scan should be able to provide you with some answers.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

You should be reevaluated by your doctor to see if you have a collection of fluid there -- ie a seroma which can make you look distended.

8 weeks post-op and stomach is still as distended as it was pre surgery. I don’t look like I had anything done. Advice? (photos)

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