Why Am I Rounder at 9 Weeks Post Op Than I Was at 6 Weeks Post Op?

Question

I had a full tummy tuck and muscle repair 9 wks ago. I weighed 135 going in and I now weigh 120. I would wake up flatter in the mornings & swell towards the end of the day now my tummy seems to be protruding all the time. The protruding is not above the incision its on top and right above my bb. My doctor checked my muscle repair and she said it was healing fine. I look like I'm pregnant! Why am I protruding at 9 weeks!! It's not going down. I have been watching my diet and included exercise.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  The causes for swelling immediately after swelling are numerous, but nine weeks ago the list gets smaller.  Some of my colleagues have listed some of these concerns including seroma or issues with the muscle repair.  It seems as though you are having good follow-up with your plastic surgeon and this should continue. You should ask your surgeon about compression garments if they may help.  I hope this improves for you.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

At nine weeks you should be very happy.  The issue that may be an issue is the muscle repair, seroma or a fluid pocket , prolonged swelling (less likely).   You need to continue to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure.

	I am glad to hear that you are following up closely with your plastic surgeon who is in the best position to advise you.

	Occasionally, I have seen significant swelling of the subcutaneous tissue layer  after tummy tuck surgery ( that can cause significant concern for patient and surgeon). Once disruption of the abdominal wall muscle repair as well as the presence of a seroma has been ruled out then you can have some peace of mind that you are dealing with swelling ( which will resolve over the course of the next several months). It may take up to a year for the overlying skin to fully "redrape"  and for you to see the final results of the surgery.

	Please continue close follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

	Best wishes.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

At this point in your healing you should be quite happy.  Some residual swelling and contour irregularities are normal and usually subside over the coming months.  However what you are describing may be more than residual swelling.  Others have outlined some possibilities.  I agree with colleagues and feel that you should also discussed this with your plastic surgeon.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Swelling in the abdominoplasty skin flap is common, but this decreases over time. At 9 weeks, you still have a ways to go before this is gone. If you haven't been in a compression garment, this process can take much longer. A focal area (usually near the incision line) of swelling can be a fluid collection. Close follow up with your surgeon is imperative. Sometimes, the muscle repair fails and fullness can be seen as a bulge in the upper abdomen. This can be more apparent if the repair below the belly button stays intact.

Why Am I Rounder at 9 Weeks Post Op Than I Was at 6 Weeks Post Op?

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling after 9 months

Answer: Swelling after 9 months

Answer: Swelling 2 months after tummy tuck.

Answer: Swelling 2 months after tummy tuck.

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Why Am I Rounder at 9 Weeks Post Op Than I Was at 6 Weeks Post Op?

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling after 9 months

Answer: Swelling after 9 months

Answer: Swelling 2 months after tummy tuck.

Answer: Swelling 2 months after tummy tuck.

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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