Swelling or Fat After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am about 4 months out from an extended tummy tuck with NO liposuction at all. I exercise 6 days/week and follow a rigorous diet. I was hoping to compete in a female bodybuilding contest, however my new shape seems oddly proportioned. My flanks and lower back above my incision seem puffy. That area is usually where I store fat, however I am at my lowest weight ever, and still looking puffy. Did extra fat cells grow there?? or could I still be swollen at four months post op?

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

You definitely can still have some swelling that is contributing to the puffiness but you also may have a little residual fat at the edges of the tummy tuck that need to either be liposuctioned or cut out. A quick exam by your surgeon will tell the difference.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for patients to have some residual swelling 4-6 months after a tummy tuck. Give it more time to heal.

Gary R. Culbertson, MD · Answer

Photographs would be very helpful.  Bt by 4 months the majority of swelling should gone from your surgery. No, new fat cells do not usually occur until a patient is >100% over ideal body weight.

	 

	May I suggest you return to your surgeon and request the address your concerns. Some surgeons stage TT and Lipo as part of their practices. This is very common as it often reduces the cost, recovery time and risks of abdominoplastys. It is not always in the best interest of the patient. If you are not satisfied with their response consider a consult with a member of the ASAPS in your area. They are experts in corrective cosmetic surgery. Best,

	 

	Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

You could still be swollen and this can continue for a few more months. An extended tummy tuck does not deal with all of your back,so without photos, I can't offer an opinion on that.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Your question really cannot be properly answered without photos, preferable from both before and after your surgery. Unless you had an extended tummy tuck or belt lipectomy, the flanks and back would be beyond any area of treatment assuming no liposuction.

	Please consider reposting your question with photos.  All the best.

Swelling or Fat After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)