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

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.

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

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.