Is the swelling around my belly button 10 days post tummy tuck a seroma or normal swelling?

Question

its not a huge amount of swelling, but it is noticeable. its a bit of swelling horizontally across my belly button, probably an inch or less in length. just wondering if this is normal. my drains were removed already, so im hoping not to have a seroma. the last few nights i have sneezed and coughed a few times and afterwards it felt like my muscles were trying to readjust, so im hoping this didnt do it. please help =(

David A. Bottger, MD · Answer

The swelling you describe is not uncommon at this stage. Seromas usually involve larger areas and have the feel of a fluid wave. Best to review with your surgeon.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

It's difficult to say why you have swelling around your belly button. The picture would be helpful. It is unlikely to be a seroma if it's just swelling around your belly button. I seroma fills up much like water in a bottle.  It has height to it so your whole belly would probably be swollen to the level of the bellybutton if this were the case.  Follow up with your plastic surgeon for an exam of the area.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.  It will be necessary to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment. Generally speaking, abdominal wall "swelling" after tummy tuck may be related to:
1. Swelling in the soft tissues.  This may take several months to resolve and may worsen with increased activity  or at the end of the day.   Patience  is required to allow for resolution of the swelling. The swelling occurs because of the interruption of venous and lymphatic channels that occurs during the tummy tuck operation.
2. Fluid accumulation in the space between the skin and the abdominal wall muscle.  this may consist of blood ( hematoma)  or serum (seroma).  This fluid accumulation can generally be diagnosed by physical examination ( occasionally ultrasound  may be helpful).  Treatment consists of aspiration;  several episodes of aspiration may be necessary. 
3. Separation of the abdominal wall muscle repair may lead to a swelling/bulge appearance. This may be diagnosed on physical examination  with your surgeon examining you in different bodily positions. One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication)  of the rectus muscles.  These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.
4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination. Additional liposuction surgery maybe necessary to improve the results of surgery.
Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year  (or greater)  a complete skin redraping  to occur.
I hope this helps.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best is to see your surgeon ASAP for examination and possible drainage if needed. Good luck .....///////

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is very important that you be seen by your plastic surgeon for a proper answer to your question.That said swelling of the belly button is very common after tummy tuck surgery and can take several weeks to resolve.  Seromas usually appear as a large full area that is obviously filled with fluid.  Seroma within the belly button stalk itself is very unusual.

Is the swelling around my belly button 10 days post tummy tuck a seroma or normal swelling?

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Answer: Swelling at bb

Answer: Swelling at bb

Answer: Belly button swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Belly button swelling after tummy tuck

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Is the swelling around my belly button 10 days post tummy tuck a seroma or normal swelling?

Answers (5)

Answer: Swelling at bb

Answer: Swelling at bb

Answer: Belly button swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Belly button swelling after tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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