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

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.