My tummy tuck was 24 days ago, and i am worried that the ridge of swelling over my incision will not go down. It still looks like i have some overhang there. Apart from this, my results are still very good, and i am pleased.
Answer: Tummy tuck Swelling?
Thank you for the question.
As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment.
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.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
Answer: Tummy tuck Swelling?
Thank you for the question.
As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment.
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.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
September 1, 2015
Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck.
Swelling can last up to a year after surgery. Be patient and take it easy until then. 24 days seems like a ling time post op but it really isn't even a month!
Helpful
September 1, 2015
Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck.
Swelling can last up to a year after surgery. Be patient and take it easy until then. 24 days seems like a ling time post op but it really isn't even a month!
Helpful
February 17, 2011
Answer: Swelling 3 weeks after tummy tuck is entirely normal
It is expected and normal to have swelling following a tummy tuck, and that can make the area above your incision look puffy. The swelling in your photo looks entirely within the normal range of postoperative swelling. This should improve with time. If it does not, or if there seem to be focal areas of swelling, it is possible you have a fluid collection called a seroma. Your surgeon will be able to determine if this is the case when he or she examines you.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
February 17, 2011
Answer: Swelling 3 weeks after tummy tuck is entirely normal
It is expected and normal to have swelling following a tummy tuck, and that can make the area above your incision look puffy. The swelling in your photo looks entirely within the normal range of postoperative swelling. This should improve with time. If it does not, or if there seem to be focal areas of swelling, it is possible you have a fluid collection called a seroma. Your surgeon will be able to determine if this is the case when he or she examines you.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
February 17, 2011
Answer: Look good for 3 weeks
Your result for 3 weeks is good. It is very normal to have some swelling above the incision. Many times scar massage will help with this. Also there is the possibility of seroma or fluid accumulation in the space beneath the skin and this would need to be aspirated. Just check in with your surgeon and they will let you know what to do.
Good luck with your new body,
Dr T
Helpful
February 17, 2011
Answer: Look good for 3 weeks
Your result for 3 weeks is good. It is very normal to have some swelling above the incision. Many times scar massage will help with this. Also there is the possibility of seroma or fluid accumulation in the space beneath the skin and this would need to be aspirated. Just check in with your surgeon and they will let you know what to do.
Good luck with your new body,
Dr T
Helpful
February 16, 2011
Answer: Swelling at 3 weeks
Be sure to take it easy as you are still only 3 weeks out from your tummy tuck. It often will take a few months to return to normal fluid control in that area.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
February 16, 2011
Answer: Swelling at 3 weeks
Be sure to take it easy as you are still only 3 weeks out from your tummy tuck. It often will take a few months to return to normal fluid control in that area.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful