One side of my stomach is bigger after a mini tummy tuck (Photo)

Question

I had a mini tummy tuck about 6 months ago and about 3 weeks post surgery i felt sudden pain while lifting something and i had appearently coused bleeding inisde my stomach. My doctor drained blood from the area 3 times and said the bleeding stopped but that side of my stomach is still a bit more swollen compared to the other side. Will this ever go away?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Calm479715,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An exam is needed to know what may be causing the asymmetry.  An ultrasound can determine if there is a hematoma (collection of blood), excess fat, scar tissue, etc.  The correct intervention would be based on the findings from that exam.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your inquire,

Swelling can last for several months after surgery, particularly if there were complications. Although 6 months is a significant amount of time, individual healing processes vary. Swelling from internal bleeding might take longer to resolve. Formation of scar tissue or fibrosis in the area where the bleeding occurred can sometimes cause unevenness or a lumpy appearance. This can gradually improve with time, but it may require additional treatment in some cases.

In general, many patients see improvement in asymmetry and swelling over the first year post-surgery. However, persistent issues after this time may warrant further evaluation. your surgeon is the best person to guide you through the next steps and help address any concerns about your healing and results.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Asymmetry after any procedure can happen. It is possible that your sudden pain was some "popping" of some sutures. You should be seen and evaluated by your surgeon. No one on here will be able to appropriately answer your question. Call your surgeon.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

If your abdomen was even after your surgery, and is only slightly uneven now because of the bleeding episode, after all of the swelling and resolution of the scar in the area of the bleeding has resolved, you should return to your original result.  This may take several months so patience is required. Best wishes.

One side of my stomach is bigger after a mini tummy tuck (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Asymmetry after your tummy tuck

Answer: Asymmetry after your tummy tuck

Answer: Patience should see evenness return.

Answer: Patience should see evenness return.

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One side of my stomach is bigger after a mini tummy tuck (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Asymmetry after your tummy tuck

Answer: Asymmetry after your tummy tuck

Answer: Patience should see evenness return.

Answer: Patience should see evenness return.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Male Tummy Tuck

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