Still swollen and tummy not getting flat 6 months after tummy tuck - advice? (photos)

Question

I have done a tummy tuck 6 months and I’m not please

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

I agree, you do have a lot of swelling for 6 months after a tummy tuck. 
You can try lymphatic massage and see if that helps.
The swelling may persist, and you may want to have some liposuction in the area if it has not gone down to your satisfaction however I recommend you give it a full year after surgery before considering more surgery.
All the best to you.
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding swelling six months after a tummy tuck. Swelling after a tummy or abdominoplasty can take some time before it goes down. Most swelling is gone within 6-8 weeks. However, if liposuction is combined during the tummy tuck or there are untoward complications like infections, seromas, hematomas, etc. Healing can be delayed. Swelling can take up to 2 years before it finally stabilizes if you are still swollen six months after your tummy tuck. I would suggest lymphatic massage, heat therapy, and continued compression. These three modalities will help to minimize the swelling. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding continued swelling six months after your tummy tuck.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about recovery from a tummy tuck and for including photos!

For specific questions like this and about your recovery in general, it is best to speak directly with your doctor or doctor’s representative – such as his or her nurse, or the physician on call for the practice.

You will likely get many differing opinions from members of the RealSelf Community, but they have not personally seen or examined you. Nobody should know you or your unique set of circumstances better than your doctor.

If you feel you are not being listened to or you are doubting your doctor’s recommendations, then it is certainly within your rights to seek a second opinion and get the advice from another board certified physician. This should be done through an in-person consultation with a thorough evaluation, including a review of your history, review of all prior treatment and with a physical examination.

Obviously, if you think that you are having a medical emergency or other serious problem, you should call 911 and/or go to your nearest emergency room.

Best Wishes.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Some patients after having a tummy tuck need to have some additional liposuction done to help contour the mid section a bit more.  I would suggest speaking with your surgeon and following their recommendations.  Best of luck to you.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. The best way to determine the problem and the solution is a physical examination by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Most of the time swelling will subside completely after 6 months. However, it's not uncommon for swelling to continue for another 6 months. In some cases, abdominal fullness is due to persistent fat. In that case, the solution would be liposuction. You should definitely get examined by a qualified plastic surgeon and make a decision together. Thank you and have a lovely day.

Still swollen and tummy not getting flat 6 months after tummy tuck - advice? (photos)

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Answer: Swelling post tummy tuck

Answer: Still swollen and tummy not getting flat 6 months after tummy tuck - advice?

Answer: Still swollen and tummy not getting flat 6 months after tummy tuck - advice?

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Still swollen and tummy not getting flat 6 months after tummy tuck - advice? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Swelling post tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling post tummy tuck

Answer: Still swollen and tummy not getting flat 6 months after tummy tuck - advice?

Answer: Still swollen and tummy not getting flat 6 months after tummy tuck - advice?

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