Asked 2021-02-27
I’m 10 weeks since my tummy tuck surgery, everything has gone well. However I do feel that I am still swollen, above my belly button and below my belly button not as much as at the beginning but it’s still swollen. I have no pain at all just the same tightness feeling. I’ve read that it depends on…
3 Answers
Rohit Jaiswal, MD
Answered: 2023-04-22
Swelling can be present to some degree for 6 months or sometimes longer after abdominoplasty (i.e. tummy tuck). In all likelihood the swelling and tightness are normal for the course of healing but you should visit your surgeon so he/she can examine you and determine if there are any abnormalities. It could be possible there are fluid collections present, known as a seroma.
I have my patients do a regimen of support garments (foam pads, abdominal binders or faja) and lymphatic massage post op to help reduce swelling, decrease risk of seroma formation, promote a better overall shape, and to speed up softening of internal scar tissue. Occasionally I will also prescribe a diuretic and have found high patient satisfaction with using this to reduce post op swelling.