I had a tummy tuck one year ago and still feel swelling. Is this normal?

Question

I did develop a seroma for which I went in several times a week to have drained. I had a procedure about 10 days later to fix the problem where my surgeon went in a got out all the gelatinous fluid and replaced the drains until the drainage eventually was nil. I still have "swelling" at the end of the day. Is this common after a year? I don't palpate any fluid or fluid wave, just looks and feels "swollen. Will this go away?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Swelling at one year is not expected. Typically, even after some ongoing trauma to the area, swelling is resolved and final results visible by 6 months. There may be other causes for this such as fluid retention or weight gain. I recommend that you share your concerns with your Plastic Surgeon and look into other possible reasons for this. All the best

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Swelling a year after a tummy tuck is somewhat unusual. Certainly things can change after you have had seroma, but if this is still a problem and concern for for you, I recommend that you speak with your physician. It is certainly important to seek the advice of a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of plastic surgery.I wish you the best.Dr. Gabbay

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

If you are developing swelling at the end of the day this is dependent edema.  It may be due to scarring of your incision.  The incision can sometimes act like a dam trapping fluid above the level of the scar.  Massage and time are the best treatment options.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Not really but very hard to advise without posted photos and I recommend ONLY in person second opinions to determine the results....

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, tpbaso.  Although swelling is common and expected after tummy tuck, most of swelling decreases by 3rd months and final contour comes about 6 months post-op.  It is not usual to have swelling after 1 year. Some thoughts are 1) residual seroma, 2) weight gain, 3) sensitivity to certain food.. Please visit your plastic surgeon to be evaluated.  Best regards.

I had a tummy tuck one year ago and still feel swelling. Is this normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: I had a tummy tuck one year ago and still feel swelling. Is this normal?

Answer: I had a tummy tuck one year ago and still feel swelling. Is this normal?

Answer: Swelling after 1 year post-op is not normal.

Answer: Swelling after 1 year post-op is not normal.

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I had a tummy tuck one year ago and still feel swelling. Is this normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: I had a tummy tuck one year ago and still feel swelling. Is this normal?

Answer: I had a tummy tuck one year ago and still feel swelling. Is this normal?

Answer: Swelling after 1 year post-op is not normal.

Answer: Swelling after 1 year post-op is not normal.

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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.