Can visceral fat cause a perfectly flat tummy tuck to bulge weeks later? (photos)

Question

I had a full abdominalplasty with MR March 20. Around 5-6 weeks later my tummy began bulging. I lost 30 lbs before procedure but was at 170lbs at 5'4 the day I went for consultation and when I went in for the procedure. Doc says he really tightened my muscles and it could be is visceral fat pushing and stretching me out. I trusted him and he prepared me for nothing but a flat tummy. I was and still am very careful as to not strain or lift anything heavy. Really upset. Suggestions?

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The easy response is YES!. But you need to compare your before vs 9 week afters - GREAT result. If you are NOT satisfied than I would try to lose 20 more pounds first and exercise to strengthen your abds....

Gavin Sandercoe, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi PinkeeI do not think that your Plastic Surgeon helped you set realistic expectations. At that weight for your height (at the time of your operation), there is likely to be substantial visceral fat in your abdomen which will over-ride the results of your Plastic Surgeon's operation with time. Visceral fat can only be removed through weight loss, and not surgically.You are now over 8 weeks post op and you should be back to doing everything that you want to physically. Your best way forwards (as harsh as it sounds) is to continue losing weight. As you lose that visceral fat, your shape may change back to what you were hoping for. If it does not, it may be due to ongoing internal stretching of your abdominal muscles and the post operative stretch on your abdominal skin.Sorry to hear that your result was not what you expected.Dr Gavin Sandercoe

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your photos and question. I'm sorry you're unhappy after your surgery. Have you been in for your post operative exam? There does seem to be a difference between your 10 days after picture and your 9 weeks after picture. Since your doctor is the one who performed your surgery, he is the best person to help determine what is going on. Two months out from a full abdominoplasty is still very early to judge final results. Perhaps continuing to wear your support garment may help. If it is visceral fat, perhaps continuing on the plan that helped you loose the weight before your surgery would improve abdominal contour. Good luck on your continued recovery.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The answer to your question is yes visceral or intra-abdominal fat can certainly cause the abdomen to bulge even after tummy tuck.However based on your photographs I am surprised at the extent of the bulging considering how good you looked at 9-10 days.  Have you gained significant weight since her operation?  Has the surgeon examine you for the possibility of seroma?  Is very possibility that sutures placed to repair your diastases recti have failed.I suggest you revisit your plastic surgeon for an abdominal examination and asked the doctor if an abdominal ultrasound might be indicated.

Can visceral fat cause a perfectly flat tummy tuck to bulge weeks later? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Visceral or intra-abdominal fat can cause a and abdomen to bulge after tummy tuck

Answer: Visceral or intra-abdominal fat can cause a and abdomen to bulge after tummy tuck

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Can visceral fat cause a perfectly flat tummy tuck to bulge weeks later? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Visceral or intra-abdominal fat can cause a and abdomen to bulge after tummy tuck

Answer: Visceral or intra-abdominal fat can cause a and abdomen to bulge after tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.