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17 days post op Tummy Tuck, why is my stomach swollen and hard?

Had Tummy tuck and lipo a 17 days ago.  My stomach where the cut is is so swollen and hard?  I hope it goes away is it normal to be that swollen look larger then it was before I did tuck..

Doctor Answers 4

17 days post op Tummy Tuck, why is my stomach swollen and hard?

August 15th, 2014
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Swelling after an abdominoplasty is normal and if this was combined with liposuction (especially if the stomach area itself underwent liposuction). Without being able to examine you it is impossible to say if this is a normal amount of post-operative swelling. If the swelling is increasing and the skin getting tight this could be a seroma (fluid collection) or a hematoma (collection of old blood). The best course of action is to call your surgeon and be seen as soon as possible to evaluate the problem and decide if any treatment is needed.
David Mathes, MD


Aurora Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 7 reviews

Swelling after tummy tuck

September 23rd, 2014
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Swelling is normal after a tummy tuck and it takes weeks and months to go away completely.
But if you are concerned, see your surgeon to be examined.
Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD

Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 43 reviews

17 days post op Tummy Tuck, why is my stomach swollen and hard?

August 15th, 2014
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It is common to experience swelling after a Tummy Tuck. You have to wait until it goes down 3-6 months so you will see your final results. 
Yily De Los Santos, MD

Yily De Los Santos, MD
Dominican Republic Plastic Surgeon
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,708 reviews

17 days post op Tummy Tuck, why is my stomach swollen and hard?

August 15th, 2014
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Thank you for the question!  It is difficult to tell if your recovery is normal without an in-person consultation.  What you describe could be normal or it could be the start of a seroma.  Please see your plastic surgeon as soon as possible for evaluation.  Best of luck.

--Dr. Mussman

Web reference: http://www.mussmanplasticsurgery.com/

Jason Mussman, MD

Jason Mussman, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 3 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.