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

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.

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

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,

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.

Post-operative swelling and overhang can be common after a mini tummy tuck. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Swelling typically subsides over time, but it can take several months for the final results to become apparent. If you have concerns about your recovery, it’s best to consult with your surgeon for advice.

We would be happy to discuss this with you in more detail. Please visit us online to request a consultation or chat with our friendly appointment coordinators via live chat.

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.

You are still early in the healing phase and still have swelling which will go away. Do be checked to make sure you do not have excess fluid causing the swelling. Also, wear your compression garment.

thank you for your question and the photo. I recommend you to wear a garter for a while to see if the swelling will go down. Looking at your photos I personally would have recommended you a full tummy tuck most likely. Best of luck