Swelling of Hips with Abdominoplasty Normal?

Question

7 1/2 weeks ago I had an abdominoplasty with muscle tightening and lipo of the flanks. I'm still seeing swelling of the flanks with no real contour showing yet. But the skin on one hip is also swollen and numb for about a four inch vertical area. Is this normal? What would cause it when no lipo was done there?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Swelling and numbness is to be expected at this point in your recovery. This may take several more months (possibly over a year) to improve. The numbness is related to the dissection that has been done (and division of sensory nerves). The swelling is also likely related to surgical trauma/inflammation etc.

	If you have localized swelling you may want to see your surgeon for evaluation to rule out seroma (a fluid collection that may require drainage).

	Best wishes.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling is normal after surgery.  Some people have more and some people have less.  Without seeing before and after pictures or examining you in person, it is impossible to give you specific recommendations.  If you have a localized fullness, then you may have a seroma or fluid collection that can be drained in the office.

	 

	Good Luck.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Your still swollen at this time. It takes about 3 months for the swelling to go away. Be carefull with your clothes as tight fitting waistbands can sometimes leave you a little lopsided early on though this usually goes away. Try to avoid salt as well. The numbness is also normal for now. Try to massage the area as it will help the nerves to grow back more normally. Good luck.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and can last for months after a cosmetic surgery.  With a Tummy Tuck, the swelling can be prounounced for several weeks and improve over the next several months. It can take 9-12 months to really see the final results of your cosmetic surgery. You are specifically asking about the swelling in your hips.  You need to check with your surgeon to see eactly what he did during the surgery.  I routinely perform liposuction of the hips and flanks during my tummy tucks and this can result in swelling of this area that will take some time to improve.  If your surgeon did this, this may explain some of the things you are complaining about.  You may need to be a little more patient and give it a few more months before you decide you are "unhappy."  In reare instances, revision surgery may be needed to get the shape you want.  Make sure to keep an open dialogue with your surgeon during the healing process so you can discuss what is normal and what is not normal.

Craig Harrison, MD · Answer

Dear KylieB,

	Sounds like your right where we should be on your recovery.  The swelling and numbness is not unusual at this stage.  Some of my patients enjoy Endermologie which seems to help some of the swelling and soreness resolve sooner.  Keep your follow up appointments and remember the worst is behind you.  Best wishes

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Answers (10)

Answer: Swelling afterTummy Tuck can last for months

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