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

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

Hello,

I would give it some more time as it does sound as it is swelling related.  Swelling will continue to improve.  Certain healing events such as pseudobursa or seroma may need to be addressed.  Maintain your follow up schedule with your plastic surgeon as he/she can guide you through this process.

All the best,

Dr Repta

Thank you for your question.

Yes, it is quite normal to have swelling up to 6 months post op Tummy Tuck Surgery.. sometimes even up to one year (especially after exercising).   I would recommend that you keep in close communication with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions.

I hope this helps.

 

Exercise will create swelling in the surgical area until the body as created new lymphatis to drain the fluid, usually 6 months. A petite person will show small amounts of swelling that might be concealed on a larger frame. Most likely you are not yet at the end point of your result.

Swelling can take several months to completely resolve, even 6-8 months.  If the swelling comes and goes, it will eventually resolve.  If the swelling is always there, it should also eventually resolve if it is swelling in the tissues or scar tissue thickening from the procedure.  However, if there is (or was after surgery, particularly after the drains were removed) the feeling of a fluid accumulation or a wave-like phenomenon (you push on one portion and the other portion waves up like on a waterbed), then you may had a seroma form after surgery, and it may have formed a seroma cavity that would need to be treated to completely resolve.  An ultrasound examination my help determine if you have an actual fuid collection.

It may take longer than 6 months for edema to resolve.  Exercise and massage should help.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Sureon.