Is this normal swelling 7 weeks post op tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair about 7 weeks ago I wear 2 compression garments one XXS and one XS to try and help the swelling I wear them 24/7 and have since the first week. Should I still be this swollen? Should I start working out to help relieve it I walk quite a bit of the day I thought that might help

Germán Newall, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on what I see in the photos, your "before" photos look phenomenal, and it seemed like you didn't need to undergo a tummy tuck. You had great abdominal muscles and a toned stomach. On the other hand, recovery varies per individual. In your case, you're experiencing an extended period of recovery which is normal. If you notice any signs of infection, then please contact your plastic surgeon immediately. Best Wishes, Dr. Newall

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling after a tummy tuck can last a few months. As a matter of fact, you may find a little bit of swelling up to a year after the surgery with heavy exercise or exertion.  However, it is best to see you plastic surgeon in person as this could also be the sign of a fluid build up, called a seroma.  A seroma can only be diagnosed by an in person physical exam.  Hope this helps and best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the concerns you have after tummy tuck surgery.  As you likely know, your plastic surgeon will be your best resource for precise diagnosis...
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.  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.
  
Best wishes.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes some patients will have residual swelling this far out from the recovery process and everybody heals at different rates.  As you were much flatter in the before pics, I would go in to see your PS for an examination.  Swelling could be due to the tissues underneath the skin such as from your muscle repair or fluid collection, or intrabdominal swelling from the internal organs.

Jason M. Petrungaro, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to see that you are experiencing this problem.  I am looking at your preoperative photo and I am finding it hard to believe that you needed any type of tummy tuck at all.  I am seeing extraordinarily defined rectus and oblique muscles and maybe a bit of loose skin below your belly button.  I cannot comment with 100% confidence because you did not provide a frontal view and I have not examined you in person, but you certainly looked like you were in very good shape.That being said, yes, you do have some obvious swelling and fullness in your belly.  At 7 weeks I would have to say this needs to be investigated.  Most patients are finally seeing most of their swelling resolve at this point.  Working out probably won't do much.  You should contact your Plastic Surgeon and at least head in for a quick check to make sure everything is progressing nicely.  Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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