I had a mini tummy tuck about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Just above the scar, there seems to be a 'roll' the length of the scar. Is this normal? If so, how long before it flattens out?
Answer: Lower abdominal swelling after tummy tuck This is not at all uncommon. The scar can act as a dam that retains fluid and keeps it from draining into the lymph nodes of the groin. You may want to check with your surgeon to make sure this is not a hematoma or seroma first. Compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage may be useful in keeping this fluid collection to a minimum. Expect that it will be worse at the end of the day when the fluid has a greater tendency to collect due to gravity and you standing upright promoting drainage in a downward driection rather than to the sides when you are asleep at night and horizontal. As the scar softens, the fluid will pass through the tissues to the lymph nodes and diminish. This typically takes at least 2-3 months. One thing that can make this worse is a tight dressing that acts like a tourniquet if it compresses the skin between your umbilicus and incision.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Lower abdominal swelling after tummy tuck This is not at all uncommon. The scar can act as a dam that retains fluid and keeps it from draining into the lymph nodes of the groin. You may want to check with your surgeon to make sure this is not a hematoma or seroma first. Compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage may be useful in keeping this fluid collection to a minimum. Expect that it will be worse at the end of the day when the fluid has a greater tendency to collect due to gravity and you standing upright promoting drainage in a downward driection rather than to the sides when you are asleep at night and horizontal. As the scar softens, the fluid will pass through the tissues to the lymph nodes and diminish. This typically takes at least 2-3 months. One thing that can make this worse is a tight dressing that acts like a tourniquet if it compresses the skin between your umbilicus and incision.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Understanding Post-Tummy Tuck Swelling and Recovery Hi ginalynne, It sounds like what you're experiencing is swelling, which is completely normal and to be expected after a tummy tuck procedure. Swelling can cause a temporary 'roll' appearance above the scar as the area heals and adjusts to the changes from surgery. Without photos, it's hard to give a precise assessment, but typically, most swelling resolves within the first few months post-surgery, though minor swelling can persist and gradually improve over 6 to 12 months. Given that your question was posted 12 years ago, I'm curious about your long-term outcome and how you're doing now. I hope that the issue resolved as your body healed and that you are happy with your results. Swelling is a common part of the recovery process, and patience is key as the body takes time to fully heal and reveal the final results. If you have any updates or further questions, feel free to share. I hope all is well with you. Sincerely, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Understanding Post-Tummy Tuck Swelling and Recovery Hi ginalynne, It sounds like what you're experiencing is swelling, which is completely normal and to be expected after a tummy tuck procedure. Swelling can cause a temporary 'roll' appearance above the scar as the area heals and adjusts to the changes from surgery. Without photos, it's hard to give a precise assessment, but typically, most swelling resolves within the first few months post-surgery, though minor swelling can persist and gradually improve over 6 to 12 months. Given that your question was posted 12 years ago, I'm curious about your long-term outcome and how you're doing now. I hope that the issue resolved as your body healed and that you are happy with your results. Swelling is a common part of the recovery process, and patience is key as the body takes time to fully heal and reveal the final results. If you have any updates or further questions, feel free to share. I hope all is well with you. Sincerely, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon
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June 21, 2010
Answer: Swelling after a mini tummy tuck or tummy tuck procedure
Patients should anticipate swelling after a mini-tummy tuck procedure. The swelling may last one to two months and will improve with gentle massage and in my practice, oral intake of a Bruise-Pak supplement.
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CONTACT NOW June 21, 2010
Answer: Swelling after a mini tummy tuck or tummy tuck procedure
Patients should anticipate swelling after a mini-tummy tuck procedure. The swelling may last one to two months and will improve with gentle massage and in my practice, oral intake of a Bruise-Pak supplement.
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March 6, 2017
Answer: Roll above mini tummy tuck scar must be treated aggressively The roll above a mini tummy tuck scar is usually caused by the contraction of the scar in an upwards direction, called a 'trap door" effect. Occasionally a smaller roll can be caused by fat left behind or a failure to bevel the incision-if this is the case the roill is very soft and pliable. The trap door effect produces a firm rigid palpable ridge above the scar. If this occurs, vigorous massage of the roll should be started as soon as you are healed. Consult your doctor who did your surgery. If the bilge is simply fat then minor liposuction may solve the problem. I have also had good luck treating this scar problem with non-ablative 1540 Erbium fractional laser therapy. See your doctor soon--the earlier you take action, the better.
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Answer: Roll above mini tummy tuck scar must be treated aggressively The roll above a mini tummy tuck scar is usually caused by the contraction of the scar in an upwards direction, called a 'trap door" effect. Occasionally a smaller roll can be caused by fat left behind or a failure to bevel the incision-if this is the case the roill is very soft and pliable. The trap door effect produces a firm rigid palpable ridge above the scar. If this occurs, vigorous massage of the roll should be started as soon as you are healed. Consult your doctor who did your surgery. If the bilge is simply fat then minor liposuction may solve the problem. I have also had good luck treating this scar problem with non-ablative 1540 Erbium fractional laser therapy. See your doctor soon--the earlier you take action, the better.
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April 17, 2012
Answer: The Roll Above my Tummy tuck Scar
It is not uncommon to have a roll above your tummy tuck scar for several weeks after a tummy tuck.
Water runs down hill, and so, this swelling that is a normal part of the healing process.
First, because swelling a expected following any surgery.
Secondly, lymphatic drainage system has been disrupted by the lower abdominal incision, impairing your drainage until the wound heals fully and the lymphatic channels are restored.
Sometimes the swelling in fluid under the flap which will be absorbed by your body over several weeks.
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April 17, 2012
Answer: The Roll Above my Tummy tuck Scar
It is not uncommon to have a roll above your tummy tuck scar for several weeks after a tummy tuck.
Water runs down hill, and so, this swelling that is a normal part of the healing process.
First, because swelling a expected following any surgery.
Secondly, lymphatic drainage system has been disrupted by the lower abdominal incision, impairing your drainage until the wound heals fully and the lymphatic channels are restored.
Sometimes the swelling in fluid under the flap which will be absorbed by your body over several weeks.
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