Swelling after eating, 1 year post tummy tuck, what could be causing it?

Question

I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair 11 months ago. I have really good results most of the time although after eating the upper abdomen becomes extremely bloated and protrudes. The lower abdomen remains completely flat. I am slim so it looks very strange. Does anyone know why this happens and what is causing it? Thank you

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. It is difficult to comment without an in-person examination to determine what may be taking place. In most cases this is normal bloating that occurs spontaneously through the day and can be impacted by diet and menstrual cycles. This should resolve spontaneously given sufficient time. It is important, however, to ensure that other issues are not taking place - muscle laxity, or residual adipose tissue. Since your surgeon knows the full details of your operation, they are in the best position to provide you with a diagnosis and treatment option. Best wishes.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.

It's not uncommon to experience some bloating after eating, but persistent bloating and protrusion in the upper abdomen after tummy tuck surgery may be a sign of an underlying issue. There are several potential causes of upper abdominal bloating after a tummy tuck, including:

Incomplete muscle repair: In some cases, the upper abdominal muscles may not be adequately repaired during the surgery, leading to weakness and bulging.
Fluid accumulation: Fluid accumulation, also known as seroma, can occur after tummy tuck surgery and may cause bulging and discomfort.
Swelling: Swelling is a common side effect of tummy tuck surgery, and it can take several months for it to fully resolve. However, persistent swelling in the upper abdomen may be a sign of an underlying issue.
Poor digestion: After tummy tuck surgery, some patients may experience digestive issues that can lead to bloating and discomfort.
It's important to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon who performed the tummy tuck surgery. They can evaluate your situation and determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. They may also recommend some lifestyle changes, such as modifying your diet or increasing your physical activity, to help alleviate your symptoms.

If your surgeon determines that there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, they may recommend further treatment, such as additional surgery or non-surgical treatments like lymphatic massage or ultrasound therapy.

Overall, it's important to follow up with your plastic surgeon and have a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your upper abdominal bloating after eating.

Best of luck !

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's not uncommon for patients to experience some degree of swelling in the abdominal area following a tummy tuck, even after several months. However, if you're noticing significant swelling specifically after eating, there could be a few potential explanations.

One possibility is that your body might be responding to certain foods or beverages that can cause bloating or gas. It's worth keeping a food diary to track your intake and identify any potential triggers. Additionally, you could consult with a nutritionist or a gastroenterologist to help pinpoint any dietary sensitivities or digestive issues that might be contributing to the swelling.

Another factor to consider is the healing process itself. As your body continues to heal from the surgery, it's normal for the tissues to be more sensitive and prone to swelling. This should gradually improve over time.

However, if the swelling persists or worsens, it's essential to consult with your plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your situation and determine if any underlying issues may be causing the problem.

Thank you for reaching out, and I hope this information is helpful. I wish you the best of luck on your continued recovery journey.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear miss_lees,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Lisa Sacks, MBBCh, FRCS · Answer

Hi Miss Lees,
It is best to visit your surgeon and discuss this with them as they know exactly how they did the muscles repair, and whether your muscles were repaired along the whole length, top to bottom, or just in the lower part.There could be different reasons:It's also possible that you were too active in the first 12 weeks while the repair was healing.If your tummy flat in the morning and only bulges as the day goes on, and also only after your eat, then it's possible that your muscle repair may not be holding, and has pulled apart in the upper abdomen.It may also be helpful to avoid certain foods that may be contributing to this bloating - specifically wheat containing foods and other processed foods with additives.I hope this explanation is helpful in guiding you in your discussion with your surgeon.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling after eating is a classic sign of food intolerance or allergies. I would suggest asking your medical doctor to test you for food allergies. Surgery cannot fix this issue.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Intermittent upper abdominal bulging post prandial (after eating) is most commonly due to weak abdominal muscles and possibly inadequate upper abdominal muscle plication (tightening, although I cannot say anything accurately about the muscle repair without having been present at the procedure).

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Bloating can still occur after a tummy tuck when you have had a big meal.  If the upper abdominal muscles were not addressed during the tummy tuck then you would be more prone to the bloating being obvious.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  If needed a consultation with a GI specialist may be recommended.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make an assessment, we need to see proper before and after pictures.
If you don’t have before, and after pictures and ask your surgeon to forward, the pictures they took.
The most common reason for bulging up the upper abdomen after a full tummy tuck is individuals who have excess visceral fat. This can usually be assessed on preoperative evaluation. Individuals who are overweight and carry excess visceral fat need to lose weight in order to reduce intra-abdominal volume. Muscle tightening reduces abdominal space, and this creates increased pressure in individuals who carry excess visceral fat.
For most people weight loss is the best solution. Consider re-posting including proper before and after pictures. Alternatively, follow up with your provider or schedule second opinion in person consultations with other board-certified plastic surgeons.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

David M. Godat, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If your tummy tuck was done correctly, these symptoms would be in no relations to your tummy tuck. These symptoms may and can be unpleasant but an evaluation is recommended. Please consult with a gastroenterologist.

Swelling after eating, 1 year post tummy tuck, what could be causing it?

Answers (10)

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