"Swell Hell" after Tummy Tuck

Postoperative swelling after a tummy tuck can be attributable to many causes. There is a "normal" swelling which is essentially fluid in the skin and fat of the abdominal tissue. This can take several months to dissipate. An actual fluid collection (known as a "seroma") can form between the abdominal skin and the muscles which is often described as a "swooshing" feeling. This typically occurs following drain removal and is treated with a needle aspiration in the office. Some patients will have significant constipation from narcotic pain medications leading to a large distention in their abdomen. Halting the narcotic pain medication and the addition of stool softeners will help with this distention. Regardless of cause, a follow up visit with your surgeon should be able to identify the reason and prescribe the appropriate course of action.

It is difficult without knowing what surgery you had to give you proper advice. It almost sounds like you have some fluid in the abdomen (seroma) that needs to be drained. Contact your surgeon as soon as possible.