6 weeks post-op. I have overhang after mini tummy tuck. Will it go away? (photos)

Question

I had a mini tummy tuck 6 weeks ago and I am very concerned about the bulge/overhang above my incision. My surgeon says this will resolve on its own but from the look of it I am concerned it will not and I will need a revision. Some is swelling that fluctuates, and at first for the first two weeks the bulge was not present and my stomach was completely flat-is it possible this bulge forms as healing progresses and will it go away? HELP

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question/concern and photos.  I am sorry you are experiencing this issue.  Based on your photos, it does appear that you are holding swelling above your incision/scar.  Our general rule of thumb with postoperative swelling is that by 10-12 weeks, MOST, if not all, of your swelling should be resolved.  Being only 6 weeks out, this should continue to improve.  An additional measure you can try is wearing tight compression as much as possible over this area to help reduce the swelling.  You may also perform gently massage of the tissue to work out the fluid, as long as your plastic surgeon is ok with this.  If the swelling persists for several more weeks or significantly changes, or you develop other unexplained symptoms, please consult your plastic surgeon.  Thank you again and good luck with your recovery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I know it is hard to be patient but you are still early in your recovery and need more time to tell if your concerns are permanent.  Swelling and changes can persist for several months after a tummy tuck.   Continue to follow the advice of your surgeon and discuss your concerns along the way.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear TU523,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a tummy tuck surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides, you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. A mini tummy tuck only removes a
limited amount of skin below  the belly button and only a small percentage
of women are true candidates for a mini. It would be hard to give you a
definitive advice without seeing standard pictures (both before and
after) or an in-person examination, but it sounds like you would 
have been a better candidate for a fully abdominoplasty as opposed to a mini.
Nevertheless, it is way too early to judge your results. I would wait at least
3 months or so before considering any revision. A revision could involve a
full-abdominoplasty. You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Best,

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. You mentioned that 2 weeks post-op your abdomen was flat and now its overhanging. I will say it is most likely swelling or it might be fluid collection. Please follow up with your surgeon as he knows you best. If concerns persist, please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination.

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Answer: 6 weeks post-op. I have overhang after mini tummy tuck. Will it go away?

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6 weeks post-op. I have overhang after mini tummy tuck. Will it go away? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Unhappy after mini tummy tuck

Answer: Unhappy after mini tummy tuck

Answer: 6 weeks post-op. I have overhang after mini tummy tuck. Will it go away?

Answer: 6 weeks post-op. I have overhang after mini tummy tuck. Will it go away?

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