Tummy Tuck - Ask a Surgeon

Thank you for submitting your concerns. It is somewhat difficult to give you reasons for your contour issues without pictures. There are many possibilities : residual swelling, less contouring of fat and/or skin from the procedure, bulging of the underlying musculature or seroma to name a few. Re-evaluation and honest discussions with your plastic surgeon will be the most prudent course of action at this stage of your recovery.

Respectfully,
Earl Stephenson, Jr.

It would be important to know if you had any liposuction performed and what your surgeon has to say about your appearance. Sometimes these visual changes are normal and temporary, but sometimes they represent issues that need further treatment. If you had liposuction on the area where you are seeing these protruding spots, then it may be swelling or persistent fullness from fat. Fluid pockets can occur etc. All of these issues should be something I'm certain your surgeon is best to help you address.

I’m sorry that you’re dealing with these problems. It is best for you to be reevaluated by your plastic surgeon. You may have a fluid collection beneath the skin called a seroma. If your drain has been removed already, you may need to have this fluid re-drained. Best wishes.

Thank you for your question. It really depends on two factors in my opinion,

First, how much narcotic pain medication are you requiring during the course of the day. Secondly, the ability to get up move around freely.

This is the discussion that most definitely is worthy of your Operating plastic surgeons opinion.

Best wishes.

Congrats on your surgery. Most patients do not feel comfortable for 10 to 14 days following a TT. If you do not have the muscles repaired you may be able to return to work sooner. Your best bet is to follow the instructions of your surgeon.

Thank you for your question. Individual recovery times will vary to some extent. Most patients who have an office job and don't need to perform any strenuous activity or be on their feet all day can usually return back to work within one week. Use of long acting injectable pain medication like Exparel during surgery can help enhance recovery. Also not having a drain can speed up return to work and allow for a more comfortable recovery. I would recommend that you meet with a board-certified plastic surgeons” to discuss the procedure and recovery expectations in more detail.