Is my upper abdominal swelling normal 3 weeks after tummy tuck?

Question

It's been 3 weeks since my tummy tuck. my lower abdomen is flat and my upper abdomen is protruding past my lower abdomen. Is this normal?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling
after a tummy tuck is normal.  Some patients have prolonged swelling.
 I have seen it for 18 months, then just suddenly resolve.  What is
clear, however, is that if you listen to your body, the swelling will resolve
faster.  If there are activities that cause swelling, you must hold off on
them until they no longer create an issue.  If you try to work through the
swelling, it will prolong the process because you are never letting it heal.
 Everyone is different.  People want to get back to their routine and
want to see results, fast.  The tummy tuck is a big operation that must be
respected.  If you can exercise without swelling, then you are doing well.
 If you swell at the end of a day at work at a desk job, then you have to
be very careful with your choices, and you must rest as much as possible.
 After a month, compression also helps

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, but without a picture it is hard to advise.  An exam would be even more helpful.  I suggest you discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. Possible causes include normal swelling to a seroma or even muscle separation, good luck at your appointment.

Douglas J. Raskin, MD (retired) · Answer

Greetings,Upper abdominal swelling can have many causes including a poor fitting binder, a fluid collection, or diastasis of the rectus muscles (among other less common issues).  You need to revisit your plastic surgeon to examine you and evaluate your swelling issues to see if this is something treatable at this time.3 weeks is still very early after abdominoplasty surgery and your tummy swelling may be far from resolved.Wishing you a good long term result.Best Regards,

Is my upper abdominal swelling normal 3 weeks after tummy tuck?

Answers (3)

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