My stomach is extremely swollen and underneath my tummy tuck incision it's hard. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I am 2 weeks 4 days post op from a tummy tuck with a little bit of lipo . The area under my incision in very hard and I have a lot of swelling. I still cannot walk up straight and it hurts my back. Also I don't know if I have fluid that needs to be removed or not because there is no seroma "wave" but it is slightly squishy. Also will coughing while holding my stomach damage my muscle repair? Can someone please give me advice and help to put me at ease and tell me if I look normal, Thank you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure.  Swelling after tummy tuck surgery is quite common; swelling may persist for many months and even up to one year after the procedure is performed. Often, patients will report that the swelling increases as their activity level increases and gets worse later on in the day. Sometimes, the use of compressive garments may be helpful to control the edema.

I would suggest that you continue close follow up with your plastic surgeon, who will be in the best position to assess your situation and provide you with specific recommendations. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term care.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is perfectly normal to have numbness or swelling after a tummy tuck which is expected to slowly have sensation return to normal after many months and even years following your surgery. Although uncommon, permanent numbness and tingling can occur after tummy tuck surgery, especially in the lower mid line area between the scar and belly button. In most cases there is some sensation present, just not the normal pre-surgical amount. Please speak with your plastic surgeon about your concerns. #tummytucknumbness #tummytuckpost-op

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, some swelling and firmness of the abdomen is not necessarily abnormal at your stage of healing but I would recommend discussing your concerns with your plastic surgeon.  You will need ongoing followup to ensure that you are healing normally.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your photos and question. Swelling and a hard feeling incision at this point are to be expected as you are quite early in recovery. I recommend that you call your Plastic Surgeon to ask about compression, activity level, any new swelling that concerns you and issues with standing straight because they will have case specific advice for you and be able to put your mind at ease.All the best

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photos.  Swelling are firmness are all expected at this stage of your recovery.  It is important to for you to follow-up closely with your plastic surgeon who can best determine if you have a seroma or not.  In addition, I would recommend starting to straighten up as the longer you wait, the stiffer you may get.

My stomach is extremely swollen and underneath my tummy tuck incision it's hard. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: 2 weeks post TT

Answer: 2 weeks post TT

Answer: Swelling after a tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling after a tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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My stomach is extremely swollen and underneath my tummy tuck incision it's hard. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: 2 weeks post TT

Answer: 2 weeks post TT

Answer: Swelling after a tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling after a tummy tuck

Browse related questions

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.