8 days post op Tummy Tuck, the swelling and tightness increasing instead of decreasing. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

Tightness in am is minimal but by noon, is excruciating. All I can do is lay on my back, even walking to bathroom is awful. Wasnt this way before day 6, I could walk around house with min discomfort. Drains removed day 6, am I just swelling more? Dont think it's seroma because no "wave" of fluid (stomach is actually rock hard) and is soft in am. Breasts also painful&full by noon but fine in am. Is it normal to feel worse everyday? Scale lower every morning so doesn't appear I'm retaining water.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Yes, this is normal but of course address your concerns with your surgeon at your next appointment.  Walking is good for circulation after but doing too much standing can increase swelling.  Also, when your Doctor says its ok in a few weeks maybe you can do some post op massage which will help with the tightness and swelling!

Michael Law, MD · Answer

It is normal to have swelling and tightness after a tummy tuck, but you need to report this to your plastic surgeon.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

The symptoms that you describe can be as simple as swelling but you will want to make sure that seroma or hematoma are not also somehow involved.  Are you wearing a compression garment?  I would definitely recommend that you have your plastic surgeon evaluate you to make sure everything is healing well.  Its too early to have a pseudo bursa.  A pseudobursa is a pocket of scar tissue that has formed under your skin.  A short video of what this looks like in the operating room is included.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Bruce K. Barach, MD (retired) · Answer

can't say anything certain from your pix, but clearly you need to have your surgeon take a look and evaluate how things are going. please  give him/her a call today .

8 days post op Tummy Tuck, the swelling and tightness increasing instead of decreasing. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: These symptoms 8 days after tummytuck warrant a visit to your plastic surgeon

Answer: These symptoms 8 days after tummytuck warrant a visit to your plastic surgeon

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.

8 days post op Tummy Tuck, the swelling and tightness increasing instead of decreasing. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: These symptoms 8 days after tummytuck warrant a visit to your plastic surgeon

Answer: These symptoms 8 days after tummytuck warrant a visit to your plastic surgeon

Browse related questions

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.