Had Tummy Tuck 27 Days Ago Swelling Never Decreases? (photo)

The wound
healing process following abdominoplasty lasts for over a year.  Most of the swelling resolves in six to eight
weeks, but small amounts of swelling may persist for up to a year.  The procedure inevitably interrupts the
abdominal lymphatic drainage, and this takes time to re-establish itself.  Patients can minimize swelling with
compression garments, massage and limitations on physical activity levels.  It’s important to remember that swelling is a
normal part of wound healing, and should resolve with time.

            Significant swelling four weeks
following abdominoplasty should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon.  In the vast majority of cases, this swelling
is probably normal, but in a small percentage of patients it might represent a
problem.  Seroma formation, low grade
infection and separation of the muscle closure might be possible explanations
for this swelling.  In some cases, a CT
scan may be necessary to resolve this issue. 
If you have concerns about persistent swelling, make sure you discuss
this issue with your plastic surgeon.

Swelling is not uncommon after a tummy tuck and typically lasts quite a while. 80% has resolved by 3 months and the rest takes up to a year to resolve. You have to be patient with the healing process.Enjoy your new look!Sheila Nazarian

More than likely you just have soft tissue swelling.  This can persist for up to 3 months after surgery.  The other possibility is a missed seroma.  If you feel like a water bag then a seroma is present and your plastic surgeon should be able to drain this in the office.

Hi,

  It is possible that the tissue of the upper abdomen had some thickness such that when redraped, it still would maintain some thickness and fluid. 

  Your fluid drainage is quite small in the post op period so the possibility of a seroma always needs to be ruled out.  If your doctor stuck a needle through the lower tissue and did not get any fluid (serum), then it is possible that you have a lot of fluid in the tissue itself.  You will  notice that the swelling is more at night than in the morning.  This is usual for even up to a year as your body builds new vessels to the muscles for drainage of the redraped tissue.

  Be patient.  However, if I am reading this right, you had your surgery 8 months ago.  If this is the case, then you have had a reasonable post op recovery time and it may be that the tissue is actual fat and would need some liposuction to get you the result that you want.

  Discuss this with your doctor and see what your options are at this point and in the future.

I am sorry to hear about your prolonged swelling.   Unfortunately lower abdominal swelling can take up to 3 months to resolve.   It would be helpful to see your before photos to assess where you started.   An ultrasound may be helpful if the swelling increases or does not improve to exclude any seroma pockets.

 

I wish you a safe and healthy recovery.