Tummy Tuck Swelling After 10 Weeks

Question

I want to know if this swelling looks normal for 10 weeks after tummy tuck my doctor says its not fluid he inserted a needle in my abdomen and nothing came out so im wondering if this is normal swelling is just in the lower abdomen?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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 &ldquo;tighten&rdquo; 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.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

I would not get concerned yet.  I am certain your PS knows all about your specific case and can tell you what is normal and what is not. It may be to your benefit, if you still have a fair amount of swelling, to continue to wear your garment longer than you were planning.  That couldn't hurt one way or the other.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Without seeing more pictures as well as the progress you have made since surgery, it is difficult to tell what is "normal".  Residual swelling at 10 weeks is not uncommon, although the majority of swelling is gone by 6 weeks.  I tell my patients that they will not see their final results until at least the 3 month mark and sometimes as long as 6 months.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Although most of the swelling after tummy tuck subside within 6 weeks, it can persist for a longer time period.  Due to gravity, the lower abdomen can have more swelling than the rest of the abdomen.  Be patient and follow your plastic surgeon's instructions.

Marc Schneider, MD · Answer

The persistence of swelling is very variable and can last over 10 weeks. Try and be patient with this and continue to follow up with your physician.

Tummy Tuck Swelling After 10 Weeks

Answers (9)

Answer: Persistent swelling 10 weeks after tummy tuck

Answer: Persistent swelling 10 weeks after tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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Tummy Tuck Swelling After 10 Weeks

Answers (9)

Answer: Persistent swelling 10 weeks after tummy tuck

Answer: Persistent swelling 10 weeks after tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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