14 weeks post TT & lipo of flanks. I still look fat/swollen. Will I continue to look like this for the next 3-6 months? (Photo)

It is perfectly normal to have numbness or swelling after a tummy tuck which is expected to slowly have sensation return to normal after many months and even years following your surgery. Although uncommon, permanent numbness and tingling can occur after tummy tuck surgery, especially in the lower mid line area between the scar and belly button. In most cases there is some sensation present, just not the normal pre-surgical amount. #tummytucknumbness #tummytuckpost-op

Thank you for the question in the photos. It is not unusual for someone to have swelling post tummy tuck and Liposuction for up to 3 to 6 months. It is nice to hear that you have recently seen your plastic surgeon and he or she has examined you and ruled out a seroma. From looking at the photos that was the first thing that came to my mind is that you possibly have a seroma. Other consideration is that maybe your plication sutures separated and you have some lower abdominal wall laxity and you have protrubarence. In either case as long as you have seen and have been examined by your board certified  plastic surgeon provides you with some comfort. I would wait for 6 months to see home much swelling subsides. Good luck.

Hi, it is not uncommon to have some residual swelling 14 weeks after tummy tuck surgery.   If your PS has examined your recently and ruled out a fluid collection or other problem, hopefully this will continue to improve over several months.

To this point, 14 weeks postop, the protruding abdomen could be most likely due to loose muscle if the seroma was eliminated as being the cause. Talk to your doctor. Be encouraged. Everything can be improved!!!dr. Cardenas 

Thank you for your question. It is common to have slight swelling at your stage of healing. From the photograph the swelling you are experiencing should be investigated. Speak with your surgeon about a potential ultrasound. Hope this helps,

Thank you for your photograph and questions, and I am sorry that your results have not yet been what you anticipated after a TT and liposuction.  It is not uncommon to still have swelling after 14 weeks, but yours does seem a bit excessive.  There may be a fluid collection present that would need to be drawn off to help with this swelling, and perhaps your physician has an ultrasound that can help him better assess this possibility.  Additionally some patients can develop a fair amount of bloating that can persist, so important to maintain a healthy diet in order to stay regular.  Hang in there, and continue to follow up with your surgeon ,they are in the best position to help you during your recovery.  

Hi, motheroftwogirls.  Sorry to hear that your result is getting you down.  You do have protrusion of the abdomen.  Protrusion/bulging of the abdomen may be due to the followings:1. Swelling2. Fluid collection3. Extra-abdominal fat4. Intra-abdominal fat5. Loosened muscle repairMost of your swelling should be diminished after 6 weeks although some changes can still occur up to 6 months.  Given your height and weight, I doubt that you would have excessive intra or extra-abdominal fat.  If you do not have fluid collection, you may have loosened muscle repair.  Please continue following up with your plastic surgeon and share your concern. Good luck.