Bulge in lower abdomen 3 weeks post op. I wear my compression garment all day and night. Is this swelling or bad result? (Photo)

Question

Swelling or bad results? I'm 3 wks post op tummy tuck, MR & umbilical hernia repair. My lower abdomin sticks out & it's really hard NOT soft like fluid but HARD. My tummy was all excess skin before surgery not much fat. I don't understand this bulge my surgeon dismissed it & said it should go flat as I was flat after surgery in the hospital. I don't know what I was like the first wk I was in so much pain I didn't take photos standing up but wk 2 and 3 I look like this, Swelling or bad results?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. What you describe is commonly encountered after this procedure. Patients will like their “flatness” immediately after surgery; then, these same patients are disappointed for a period of time once swelling of the tissues occurs. In the longer term (this may take several months and even up to one year), the swelling dissipates and the skin of the abdominal wall "redrapes"  over the smaller underlying  musculoskeletal framework (where the abdominal wall muscles have been brought together again in the midline).
Sometimes, fluid accumulations (seroma or hematoma)  may cause the appearance of increased swelling; best to have your plastic surgeon evaluate you (again) if you have noticed significant changes and/or have concerns. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

The bulge could be caused by a number of things. These include redundant skin and fat, intra abdominal fat, subcutaneous fluid collections, normal postoperative swelling or lax abdominal wall musculature. Knowledge of the operation as well as an exam is needed to know for sure what the cause is. Allow additional time for healing and discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At three weeks you are still healing and likely pretty swollen. Be patient with the final results. Good luck.

Justin P. Martin, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos, and congratulations on your tummy tuck!  This is likely swelling and will flatten out with time.  It can take several months for all of the swelling to resolve. Having said that, I would still recommend that you make your surgeon aware of your concerns, so that you can be evaluated in person if needed.  Best of luck with your recovery!

Bulge in lower abdomen 3 weeks post op. I wear my compression garment all day and night. Is this swelling or bad result? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Is this swelling or bad result?

Answer: Is this swelling or bad result?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Bulge in lower abdomen 3 weeks post op. I wear my compression garment all day and night. Is this swelling or bad result? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Is this swelling or bad result?

Answer: Is this swelling or bad result?

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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.