6 months post op - should I be concerned about tissue edema? (photos)

Question

Hello I had a tummy tuck about 6 months ago. I had many complicatiosI started bleeding from one of the drain sites about 10 Days after surgery and 4 days after having the drain removed. Took myself up to ED as I was unable to stop the bleeding and was told my heamaglobin was down to 65 and I had to have 2 blood transfusions. I spent another 3 days in hospital and had a drain inserted into my abdomen as I then had seromas. I had about 500mls of brown blood drained over a few days and got staph.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Reneem81,

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding tissue edema six months after your tummy tuck, and for providing your detailed history and photos.

Based on the information, it does appear that you still have swelling post your tummy tuck. This swelling may be related to your postoperative complications such as hematoma and seroma. To gain a clearer understanding of the situation, I recommend undergoing diagnostic tests like an ultrasound or even a CT scan. These tests will help determine whether you have fluid pockets or if it's merely edema.

If the results indicate edema, using compression garments and undergoing Lymphatic Massage may be beneficial. On the other hand, if it's not strictly edema and there's presence of abdominal fat, addressing it through diet, exercise, Ozempic, or even liposuction could be potential solutions.

I hope this helps clarify your concerns regarding the tissue edema six months post tummy tuck, especially in light of the complications you experienced, including postoperative anemia, hematoma, and seroma.

Wishing you the best as you navigate this phase of your postoperative journey.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

There is the possibility of a persistent seroma which is dimple to diagnose. Otherwise there is certainly room for improvement with a revision

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of all the issues you've encountered since your tummy tuck.  To begin an assessment of your abdomen is needed.  Determination of the nature of the fullness is needed in order to correctly address it.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon or another board certified plastic surgeon near you for an evaluation.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

Have you gained weight since the surgery? If so, this can make things above the scar look puffy. It does not take much. A few pounds can look bad. BUT if you have not, the puffiness may still resolve with time as your healing didn't really start until after all of your complications resolved. I don't love your scar. It loos like a "'w". I would consider revising this with more lipo if things do not look the way you hoped by your one year mark.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest going back to your surgeon and see if the residual fullness is fat. If so, liposuction can be done now.

6 months post op - should I be concerned about tissue edema? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: 6 months post op - should I be concerned about tissue edema?

Answer: 6 months post op - should I be concerned about tissue edema?

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

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.

6 months post op - should I be concerned about tissue edema? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: 6 months post op - should I be concerned about tissue edema?

Answer: 6 months post op - should I be concerned about tissue edema?

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

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.