I Am 8 Weeks in my Tummy Tuck& Still Very Bloated is This Normal?

Question

I am 8 weeks in my tummy tuck! At 6 wks my tummy was looking great. These past two weeks have been horrible . I have gotten very bloated & not feeling to hot . What may be going on?

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all, if you are not feeling well and have discomfort, you need to see your physician right away. With respect to the appearance of your abdomen, it is quite normal to have fluctuating swelling affecting the abdominal wall for months after abdominoplasty. I have seen swelling last for 6 months to 1 year. It is important to remain weight stable, and not gain weight after surgery to enhance results. Weight gains will negatively affect the contour. Avoid foods that cause bloating. Begin an exercise program once cleared by your physician. I would advise a visit with your plastic surgeon for reassurance and to assess your progress.

S. Ozan Sozer, MD · Answer

To be bloated after the tummy tuck is normal. People get the bloated feeling especially after eating. It is a better idea to eat more frequent and smaller meals after the abdominoplasty. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Most patients by eight weeks feel pretty good after in abdominoplasty. Nevertheless the healing process is still going on patients can experience uncomfortable sensations. Keep in touch with your plastic surgeon.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

It is not unusual to develop swelling of the lower portion of the abdomen at 4 - 6 weeks post abdominoplasty. Most of this is dependent edema and will improve over the next 6 weeks. It usually gets worse during the day and better in the morning. Gentle massage will help.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Thanks you for the question.  A seroma is an accumulation of healing fluid that will have to be drained by your plastic surgeon.  This may be the cause of your "bloating" but there are other potential sources including swelling and regular bloating that is associated with change in diet.

	All the best,

	Dr. Remus Repta

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

Bloating may be due to diet, swelling or possible seroma formation. If you note that the lower abdomen is flatter in the morning when you wake up and more swollen at night when you go to bed, it is probably just swelling and will get better over several months. If it is swollen all the time and feels like a water bed, it is probably a seroma. You should have your surgeon examine you and discuss your concerns.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear Sockimari,

	Thank you for your post.  This is normal to have swelling that waxes and wanes over 6 months and even up until a year in some cases.  Avoid salt, dairy, and other foods that can increase the bloating.  Some women like to wear a little support from a binder or other garment when being very active, even this fat out.  If you are not feeling well in general, then this may not be associated with just swelling and you may have another illness.  You may want to be checked by your primary care provider.  

	Best Wishes, 

	Pablo Prichard, MD

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Hard to offer any suggestions without photos. Possibilities include 

	
		swelling
	
		fluid collection
	
		presence of adipose tissue from before surgery
	
		breakdown of muscle tightening.
	
		constipation from pain meds.


	You should be addressing this question to your surgeon, who can examine you and determine what course of action, if any, needs to be considered. All the best.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

After a TT the would must heal. Swelling at 8 weeks is normal. Wounds heal over 6 to 12 months. Many have much swelling still at 8 weeks. Watch your salt. Do NOT gain weight. Use you abdominal binder. The little lymphatics that drain away body fluid take many months to heal and cannot be rushed. My Best, Dr c

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Eight weeks after abdominoplasty most people feel pretty good.  You can still experience sensations after surgery.  Discuss these concerns with your Plastic Surgeon for your best result.

I Am 8 Weeks in my Tummy Tuck& Still Very Bloated is This Normal?

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