Panniculectomy 11 weeks out and I have so much swelling on my left side. Is this normal? Advice? (photos)

Question

I did have seroma on my left side about 4 weeks! It came out on it on! I just feel like my stomach is so uneven now. It’s even more tight on the left side.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding post-operative swelling after a panniculectomy and a post-operative seroma. Almost all patients swell after a panniculectomy; this is the way the body heals after the panniculectomy surgery. However, it is very important for you to follow up with your plastic surgeon to determine if this is a normal post-operative course. Your seroma may need to be aspirated with a needle again or it may need a drain. Alternatively, this could be edema or a collection of fluid in the tissue that will take time to resolve. Either way, I would suggest you follow up with your local plastic surgeon to determine if this collection fluid is normal after your panniculectomy. Thank you.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding post-operative swelling after a panniculectomy and a post-operative seroma.  I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss.  If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, high lateral tension tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact my office. Since the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or extended tummy tuck surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Richard Baker, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Dear KoldIce,
I'm sorry to hear about the seroma problem you've had. There is obvious asymmetry of your abdomen. I would give it a few months to settle down as sometimes asymmetry of a scar can improve as the tissues relax. If it's still very asymmetrical and bothering you, I would talk to your surgeon as they may be willing to revise the scar.
Good luck,
Richard

Panniculectomy 11 weeks out and I have so much swelling on my left side. Is this normal? Advice? (photos)

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Panniculectomy 11 weeks out and I have so much swelling on my left side. Is this normal? Advice? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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