I am 4 weeks post op from a full tummy tuck with muscle repair. Pre-op I was 5'3",108 pounds, 17% body fat, size 0/2, marathon runner/triathlete. My abdomen was very flat, I just had extremely wrinkled and saggy skin from pregnancies and weight loss. Now my lower abdomen is very round and protrudes like I am pregnant. I am at least 3 sizes larger than before surgery. I know I have swelling and its early, but the shape is every concerning because I look much worse now. Will this likely flatten?
January 22, 2013
Answer: Swelling in the abdomen 4 weeks post-tummy tuck?
It is vey common to have swelling in the lower abdomen 4 weeks after a tummy tuck. This usually will resolve with time. That being said, your photos are a little troubling because of how much swelling you have. I recommend you contact your plastic surgeon so that you can be examined and he or she can make sure that you do not have a fluid collection there. Good luck.
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January 22, 2013
Answer: Swelling in the abdomen 4 weeks post-tummy tuck?
It is vey common to have swelling in the lower abdomen 4 weeks after a tummy tuck. This usually will resolve with time. That being said, your photos are a little troubling because of how much swelling you have. I recommend you contact your plastic surgeon so that you can be examined and he or she can make sure that you do not have a fluid collection there. Good luck.
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January 22, 2013
Answer: Swelling after Tummy Tuck?
Thank you for the question and pictures.
It is always best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment.
Generally speaking, abdominal wall "swelling" after tummy tuck may be related to:
1. Swelling in the soft tissues. This may take several months to resolve and may worsen with increased activity or at the end of the day. Patience is required to allow for resolution of the swelling. The swelling occurs because of the interruption of venous and lymphatic channels that occurs during the tummy tuck operation.
2. Fluid accumulation in the space between the skin and the abdominal wall muscle. this may consist of blood ( hematoma) or serum (seroma). This fluid accumulation can generally be diagnosed by physical examination ( occasionally ultrasound may be helpful). Treatment consists of aspiration; several episodes of aspiration may be necessary.
3. Separation of the abdominal wall muscle repair may lead to a swelling/bulge appearance. This may be diagnosed on physical examination with your surgeon examining you in different bodily positions. One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication) of the rectus muscles. These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.
4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination. Additional liposuction surgery maybe necessary to improve the results of surgery.
Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year (or greater) a complete skin redraping to occur.
I hope this helps.
Helpful
January 22, 2013
Answer: Swelling after Tummy Tuck?
Thank you for the question and pictures.
It is always best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment.
Generally speaking, abdominal wall "swelling" after tummy tuck may be related to:
1. Swelling in the soft tissues. This may take several months to resolve and may worsen with increased activity or at the end of the day. Patience is required to allow for resolution of the swelling. The swelling occurs because of the interruption of venous and lymphatic channels that occurs during the tummy tuck operation.
2. Fluid accumulation in the space between the skin and the abdominal wall muscle. this may consist of blood ( hematoma) or serum (seroma). This fluid accumulation can generally be diagnosed by physical examination ( occasionally ultrasound may be helpful). Treatment consists of aspiration; several episodes of aspiration may be necessary.
3. Separation of the abdominal wall muscle repair may lead to a swelling/bulge appearance. This may be diagnosed on physical examination with your surgeon examining you in different bodily positions. One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication) of the rectus muscles. These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.
4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination. Additional liposuction surgery maybe necessary to improve the results of surgery.
Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year (or greater) a complete skin redraping to occur.
I hope this helps.
Helpful