2 months post-op I'm still very swollen where my incisions is. Is this normal? Is it swelling or something else? (photo)

Question

Hi! I got a tummy tuck on March 21 im almost 2 months post op. But im very swollen where my incision area is. Is this normal? A friend had hers done and she said for her it stayed like that. Im scared it could be something else. I already went with my doctor and he said im just swelled up. Here’s a picture

Christopher T. Maloney Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for attaching a photo. It is normal to have swelling at this stage. You are still in the healing process. I tell my patients to wait 3-6 months to see their results. I would follow-up with your surgeon in another 2 months and go from there. Best of luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Swelling after tummy tuck usually lasts 3 to 6 months, but most of the swelling is gone after a few week.  Follow your PS's post-operative guidelines to ensure optimum results.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nattru0531,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a tummy tuck surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Swelling is common and expected at this phase of healing.  Swelling can persist for several weeks yet and it takes 9-12 months for you to see your final results from surgery.  I know it is hard to be patient, but more time is needed to see if any further intervention is needed.  Until then I encourage you to follow the advice of your surgeon.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question! It's very common to see swelling 'collect' there - swelling drifts down with gravity and tends to terminate at the incision so staying more swollen there is very normal. Your surgeon may choose to place something like Topifoam to help maintain your contour! Best of luck!

2 months post-op I'm still very swollen where my incisions is. Is this normal? Is it swelling or something else? (photo)

Answers (6)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

7 weeks PO. I noticed a white dot on my incision and when I showered it started bleeding a little. Is this normal? (photo)

I stopped wearing a compression garment at 5 weeks post op TT, MR, and lipo to flanks. Did I ruin results?

Dog ears after tummy tuck and liposuction 360, pictures are 3 weeks post - will this likely need revision? (photos)

7 weeks post TT with lipo on my arms and back, and my back heats up whenever I move while sleeping. Is this normal?

If oblique tightening is legitimate why don't all plastic surgeons do this? (Photos)

What else can I do to heal? 4 surgeries in 7 weeks. Tummy tuck necrosis and tunneling wound (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS