Should I still have this much swelling 5 months post op? (Photo)

Question

First I would like to thank you in advance for your help. I was wondering if I should still be this swollen 5 months post op from an abdominalplasty(Tummy Tuck) with muscle repair and liposuction? My PS did state that he tightened the abs and the liposuction was about 5 litres in total from hips flanks and abdomen. He also stated he took about 4lbs of tissue. I do have a hard lump about the size of a golf ball in the centre, right below my incision which he states is fat necrosis and my body should absorb it. He is sending me for an ultrasound but I am not sure when that will be. I don't believe it is internal fat because when I bend over or am lying down I am able to pinch it. Especially on the side if my abdomen. How long should the swelling last, any idea as to what has happened as just after the surgery my abdomen was less prominent and any tips on how to help it decrease would be appreciated. I have included some pre and 20 days post pics along with more recent pictures to help.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,It sounds like your surgeon is being careful and checking for fluid build up with the ultrasound. You would need to be examined for visceral fat deposits, another cause of persistent fullness, but you made a good observation with the pinch test while bending over!At five months, you should still have swelling, however, you should also not have too much to pinch. There may be some residual fat left, contributing to your fullness. Although he did abdominal liposuction, you may still need a little more.  Keep in mind without an examination, I can't be certain.Be patient, eat well, exercise modestly. Re-check at the year mark.Best of luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns. Online consultants will not be able to differentiate intra-abdominal adipose tissue,  muscle laxity,  subcutaneous adipose tissue, from  persistent swelling…   Having said that, longer-term swelling after tummy tuck surgery is not uncommon;  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 to 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.

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

The short answer is NO.  Most of the swelling should resolve about 3 months out (there are exceptions of course)..but from the photos it looks to me like your issue is not swelling but possible another explanation.  Again please remember this is just my opinion that I am basing on the photos you are showing..ideally your before photos would help. In my opinion, i think your diastasis repair was not done or has recurred.  On the lateral view you still have rounded bulge that makes me think that you had mostly a skin only tummy tuck.  Looking at your flanks..you also needed liposuction of that area and possible more removal of skin along the flanks.  Please check with your surgeon to see what was done exactly.  I hope this helpsGood luckDr VasishtSouth Shore Plastic Surgery

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

Swelling usually resolves within two months. At 5 months persistent bulging could just be a reflection of fat that is inside your abdominal wall and will not respond to tummy tuck. Fat in the lovehandle areas and hops could be improved by liposuction.  Please review in person with your surgeon. Best wishes,

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Based on your preop photos, I think you have had a good tightening of your muscles. There is a limit to how tight you can be made; as well you may have some thinning of your muscles that can only be corrected with a biologic mesh overlay. I think what you are concerned about is not swelling but your endpoint.

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Should I still have this much swelling 5 months post op? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.