10st 5, 5'6, repairs are intact, why is my tummy so big after tummy tuck 6 months ago? (Photos)

Question

I’m 6 months post op from a tummy tuck with 8.5cm muscle repair and umbilical hernia fix with 360 lipo. Since 2 months post op my belly’s been getting bigger, and I had a private scan at 4 months where they confirmed both repairs are still intact and there’s some fluid but all good. I followed post op advise to the tee too. In all honestly it’s like I didn’t have the tummy tuck in the first place as this is what my belly was like before. I’m 10st5 and weigh less than day of surgery and I’m 5ft6”

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

At 6 months, a tummy that is progressively getting larger deserves a repeat in-person evaluation, especially since your scan mentioned some fluid. The photos show persistent lower-abdominal projection/rounding and postoperative swelling can still be present, but pictures cannot separate swelling, residual seroma, remaining fat, skin laxity, visceral bloating, posture, or abdominal wall function.

Because the repair was reported intact, the next step is not to assume the tummy tuck failed, but to ask your surgeon to re-examine you and consider repeat ultrasound or other imaging if the fullness is increasing. A small fluid collection may settle, but a persistent or enlarging seroma sometimes needs treatment. Seek prompt care if you develop fever, spreading redness, drainage, worsening pain, rapid swelling, or a firm painful area.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Warmhearted802606,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your photos, you belly is much improved from your preop photos. You might have another scan to see if more fluid is present. If it is not, you may need to change your diet because of internal fat or swelling of your colon with food allergies.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At six months post op the majority of your swelling should have resolved.  If the scan showed that your muscle repair is intact, your abdominal contour could be related to visceral fat.  This is the fat located behind the muscle wall that surrounds your organs.  This fat is improved by weight loss, but cannot be addressed through a tummy tuck or liposuction.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The most common reason people have a bulging abdomen after a full tummy tuck is excess visceral fat. 
Individuals who have access, visceral or intra-abdominal fat, should have this assessed during a consultation because access visceral fat will limit the potential improvement from a tummy tuck, including muscle tightening.
There are four tissue variables that determine what the abdomen looks like. These four tissue variables are abdominal, skin laxity, excess subcutaneous fat, muscle separation from previous pregnancy and excess visceral intra-abdominal fat..
To make an assessment regarding the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure we need to see proper before and after pictures. If you don’t have before, and after pictures and ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took. Your before pictures will most likely indicate that you had excess visceral fat, causing abdominal bulging Preoperatively. Differentiating between muscle, separation and excess Visceral fat is not all that difficult, and most plastic surgeons should be able to tell the difference and instruct patients including the need for weight loss, or when results are inherently going to be limited because of this condition. 
The only way to reduce visceral fat is through weight loss.
One way to differentiate visceral fat from muscle separation instantly on your back and see if your abdomen goes completely flat. If it does not, then you must likely have a visceral fat issue and weight loss is the only way to reduce it.
I suggest having a few second opinion consultations with other providers in your community.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

10st 5, 5'6, repairs are intact, why is my tummy so big after tummy tuck 6 months ago? (Photos)

Answers (5)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

What type of tummy tuck do I need? (Photo)

Mini or full tummy tuck? Any tips to look more "snatched'? (Photo)

Do I need a fleur de lis? (Photo)

Can you make the belly button opening larger during tummy tuck? Had laparoscopic when younger, have one upper and lower scar

Tummy tuck time? Why does my belly button look like this? (Photo)

Why is my stomach NOT flat 7 months post tummy tuck and lipo? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS