Is it Normal to Still be Swollen 4 Months Post-Op Tummy Tuck w/o Lipo?

Question

I had an endoscopic tummy tuck w/o lipo or skin removal in mid-June 2011. I am petite at 95 Ibs. and 5'3. When I try to exercise, vacuum, or for no reason, I experience swelling. I can tell it's swelling b/c it is exactly over the area that was worked on. Outside of this area stays normal. I have read that lipo prolongs swelling but since I didn't have that, why am I still swollen? When will this get better? Surgeon tells me 6 mos. but I am getting worried because progress has seemingly stopped.

Eric T. Emerson, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not unusual to have swelling still present even several months after a tummy tuck.  The swelling is often variable: changing from day to day.  Most patients experience swelling later in the afternoon after being up on their feet all day.  The swelling is often much less obvious early in the morning.

	One must also be sure that the swelling is not from a fluid collection called a seroma.  Serous fluid can sometimes collect in the space created during the operation.  This type of fluid collection can sometimes be uncomfortable and does not change in appearance from day-to-day.   You should follow-up with your surgeon to have him/her evaluate the swelling and be sure that it is part of the normal healing process.

Israel Manon, MD · Answer

Hello
The inflammation process can last from 6 months to 1 year, each patient has an individual recovery process, I recommend that if you have any concerns consult your doctor.
  
Regards
  
Dr. Israel Mañon
  
Certified Plastic Surgeon

David Bogue, MD · Answer

I have to assume that what you essentially had was a muscle repair through an endoscopic technique. With out any skin removal and no lipo, this is not exactly a tummy tuck but rather a diastasis correction. It is possible to swell along the midline where the undermining was performed to correct the diastasis. It can take upwards of 6 months for this to resolve, however it could also be related to a fluid collection or even a recurrence of the diastasis. Best advice is to see your plastic surgeon for an examination.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Even though we wish that the swelling would go away sooner, it can last for up to six months. It is likely more noticeable on a person with a petite frame like yourself. Even if no liposuction was performed during your operation and it was performed endoscopically, it was still surgery. If after the six month point, the result still disturbs you, then definitely return to your plastic surgeon for a discussion.

Stephen Delia, MD · Answer

It is certainly possible to have swelling 4 months after a tummy tuck. It is also possible to have a fluid collection, however, that may be amenable to easy removal in the office or surgically if necessary. An ultrasound may help define if a fluid collection is present, if there is a question. Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon for further evaluation.

Is it Normal to Still be Swollen 4 Months Post-Op Tummy Tuck w/o Lipo?

Answers (5)