Tummy Tuck - What Should I Do if I Look Bloated and Fat After Tummy Tuck?

Question

It has been 6 mo. since my tummy tuck, my stomach is looking bloated and fat...  I want anouther tuck? Should i get anouther one?  I thinck if i exercise it will flatten? But, I dont know what exersice should i do?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck will remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal wall and only the abdominal wall. Most of the time laxity of the fascia that embraces the muscles of the abdomen is repaired. However, if the patient has excess fat within the abdominal cavity, only weight loss will allow further flattening of the stomach.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Felicia Pappas,

Thank you for sharing your concerns. Experiencing bloating and swelling after a tummy tuck, even six months post-surgery, can be distressing. However, it's essential to understand that recovery from cosmetic procedures like abdominoplasty varies from person to person, and persistent swelling is not uncommon.

Before considering another tummy tuck, I recommend the following steps:

Consult with Your Surgeon: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon to discuss your current symptoms and concerns. They can evaluate your abdomen, assess your healing progress, and determine if any complications, such as fluid accumulation or muscle weakness, are contributing to your bloating.

Address Exercise and Nutrition: While exercise can help tone your muscles and improve overall fitness, it's crucial to follow your surgeon's recommendations regarding post-operative activity. Engage in low-impact exercises approved by your surgeon, such as walking or gentle stretching, to promote circulation and reduce swelling. Additionally, maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support healing and prevent weight gain.

Manage Expectations: Understand that achieving optimal results from a tummy tuck takes time. It may take several months for swelling to fully resolve and for your abdominal contours to stabilize. Be patient and consistent with post-operative care and lifestyle habits.

Explore Non-Invasive Options: If you're dissatisfied with your current results, discuss non-surgical options with your surgeon, such as lymphatic massage or non-invasive body contouring treatments. These modalities can help reduce swelling and improve skin texture without undergoing another surgical procedure.

Before pursuing additional surgery, it's crucial to have a thorough evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the underlying cause of your concerns and explore all available options.

Best wishes for your continued recovery journey,

Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The best
results following abdominoplasty occur when this procedure is combined with
changes in life style.Rarely do
patients derive the full benefit of this procedure without diet and
exercise.Although we don’t have the
benefit of pictures or a physical exam, your history suggests that you haven’t
maximized these parameters.Under these circumstances,
additional surgery probably isn’t the solution to your problem.For this reason, it’s appropriate to consult
your surgeon.Your surgeon should be
able to formulate a treatment plan that incorporates diet, exercise and
possibly additional surgery to optimize your surgical result.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Consider working out with a personal trainer who is experienced and can instruct you using a Pilates core strenghtening exercise regimen before you schedule another surgical procedure.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You may be experiencing swelling still in the abdominal region. You definitely want to consult with your Plastic Surgeon though. always remember that diet and exercise are always important in life. Good luck!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer to this question depends on what we find during your examination. Your 'bloating' may be caused by excessive intra-abdominal fat, abdominal skinflap swelling, being overweight, or loss of midline plication.

David J. Levens, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for some swelling to persist for up to 1 year after abdominoplasty. You should be able to exercise without restriction at 6 months, including sit ups. Follow-up with your plastic surgeon to check on your condition.

Ashley Thorburn, MD · Answer

If you're experiencing bloating and feeling "fat" after a tummy tuck procedure, it's essential to understand that swelling and temporary changes in body shape are normal parts of the recovery process. Here are some steps you can take if you're feeling this way:1. Be Patient: Swelling is a natural response to surgery, and it can take several weeks or even months for it to fully subside. Remember that your body is still in the process of healing, and changes in appearance during this time are expected.2. Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions: Ensure that you're following all post-operative care instructions provided by your plastic surgeon. This may include wearing compression garments, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding certain activities that could exacerbate swelling.3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help your body flush out excess fluids and reduce bloating.4. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help support your body's healing process and reduce bloating.5. Avoid Salt and Alcohol: Both salt and alcohol can contribute to water retention and bloating, so it's best to limit your intake of these substances during the recovery period.6. Stay Active: Engage in light, low-impact activities such as walking or gentle stretching as recommended by your plastic surgeon. This can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.7. Communicate with Your Surgeon: If you have concerns about your appearance or swelling, don't hesitate to reach out to your plastic surgeon. They can provide guidance, reassurance, and possibly recommend additional measures to help alleviate your discomfort.Remember that every individual's recovery journey is unique, and it's essential to be patient and kind to yourself during this time. In most cases, swelling will gradually improve, and you'll begin to see the final results of your tummy tuck as your body continues to heal.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Regarding: "Tummy Tuck - What Should I Do if I Look Bloated and Fat After Tummy Tuck?
	It has been 6 mo. since my tummy tuck, my stomach is looking bloated and fat... I want anouther tuck? Should i get anouther one? I thinck if i exercise it will flatten? But, I dont know what exersice should i do?"

	Without an examination, much less a photo, it is impossible to tell you why you feel "bloated". There are several potential reasons, some of which you may not want to hear:

	- If you were obese (BMI over 30) before surgery, then odds are while there was an improvement in the look of your tummy, it was not a major one. If there is a lot of fat INSIDE the abdomen, a Tummy tuck will not be able to help you. If this was the case your outcome was predictable.

	- if on the other hand your immediate post-operative result was attractive but you were indiscreet with food and exercise after the operation and gained weight, a Tummy tuck is NOT a weight gain prevention operation and the blame for the weight gain falls on you.

	- There is a small chance that either muscle tightening stitches were not done properly or became undone causing the bloated look. That possibility would be more likely if you were flatter after surgery and then lost the flat look especially after a vomiting or coughing bout.
	
	- Finally, there is a small chance that you formed a fluid collection under the skin which gives you a bloated feel.

	Your surgeon should be able to review your photos with you and guide you regarding your options.

	 

	Dr. Peter Aldea

Adam Hamawy, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, many people believe that plastic surgery is an alternative to diet and exercise.  This of course, in not true.  A tummy tuck addresses some of the the skin and fat on the abdominal wall but, in order to achieve the optimal results it must be supplemented by diet and exercise to strengthen the abdominal wall muscles and burn the residual "visceral" or "mesenteric" fat that reside around the intra-abdominal organs.  This is what may give someone the round, bloated or pot-belly appearance.

	The good news is that this intra-abdominal fat is usually the first to disappear when losing weight.

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