Upper Abdominal Bloating After Tummy Tuck -

Bloating after a tummy tuck is common, and it’s usually related to the amount of fluid you’re retaining. This can be caused by the type of surgery you had, the type of anesthesia you received, or how long the surgery took.

If you had liposuction on your upper abdominal area in addition to your tummy tuck, it could have been more challenging to reduce the swelling in this area. Liposuction is often done while under general anesthesia which can increase fluid retention and swelling in that area. In this guide, we review the aspects of Upper abdominal bloating after tummy tuck, how to get rid of upper belly bulge after tummy tuck, why is my stomach flabby after tummy tuck, and stomach bigger after tummy tuck.

You may also experience upper abdominal bloating after a tummy tuck because of a hernia. If a hernia formed during surgery and was repaired during surgery, this could be causing your symptoms. Your surgeon can determine if this is your cause for concern by examining you during your post-op appointment.

In most cases, bloating will go away within 3-4 weeks after surgery. If you’re still experiencing upper abdominal bloating after 3-4 weeks post-op, call us at [phone number] so we can help determine what’s going on with your body!

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After having plastic surgery, particularly with a procedure as transformative as the tummy tuck, it is completely normal to feel anxious and excited about seeing your newly enhanced look as soon as possible. While there may be a noticeable difference immediately after some procedures, the final results of most cosmetic surgeries – including tummy tuck – typically take weeks, months, or even longer to fully develop, as postoperative swelling subsides and incisions fade. It is important for men and women who are considering a tummy tuck to have realistic expectations about their recovery period and be patient throughout the healing process.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, Chief of Plastic Surgery at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, takes great care to ensure that patients not only undergo a safe and successful procedure with stunning results, but also that tummy tuck recovery is as comfortable, quick, and convenient as possible. If you are considering a tummy tuck, use this helpful information to prepare yourself appropriately for your surgery, recovery, and beyond.

What does tummy tuck do?

Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery is a substantial cosmetic procedure designed to help patients achieve or restore a slimmer, smoother, tighter abdominal contour through skin removal, muscle reinforcement, and other techniques. A tummy tuck is ideal for women who have had children, patients who have experienced significant weight loss, or those who simply have loose, hanging skin and stubborn pockets of fat due to the aging process.

During tummy tuck surgery in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Khorsandi will make an incision on the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. The length of the incision needed will vary based on how much skin needs to be removed and if any additional procedures are being performed. Dr. Khorsandi fully understands the importance of keeping cosmetic surgery discreet and shares in his patients’ desires to have the least amount of visible scarring possible, taking great care to place his incisions where they can be concealed with underwear or swimsuits, and keeping them as small and thin as they can be to allow for an ideal result.

In many cases, liposuction is used during tummy tuck to remove small pockets of fat from the abdomen and further elevate the patient’s final outcome. For patients suffering from diastasis recti, which is a common result of pregnancy or weight fluctuation, Dr. Khorsandi can reposition and reinforce the abdominal muscles and eliminate the telltale “mommy pooch” or pouch-like tummy. Once these corrections have been made, Dr. Khorsandi will carefully excise the loose, excess skin, pull the remaining skin tight, and secure it with sutures, resulting in a smooth, firm, sexy physique.

How long is tummy tuck recovery?

The recovery time after tummy tuck can vary somewhat depending on several factors, including the patient’s overall health and whether or not any other procedures were performed during the surgery. For example, women who combine a tummy tuck with breast augmentation, thigh lift, and other treatments as part of a full mommy makeover transformation may require extended recovery time. In general, tummy tuck patients should expect to take about two weeks off of work, depending on the physical demands of their jobs. Light activity can usually be resumed after about 1 – 2 weeks, while more strenuous physical activity and exercise should be paused for at least 6 – 8 weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon. Though there will be a noticeable difference in your abdominal contour relatively quickly, the results will continue to improve as the body heals and the swelling reduces over time.

How long does tummy tuck swelling last?

Arguably the most notable aspect of recovery after tummy tuck is postoperative swelling. This is a completely normal and expected part of tummy tuck recovery, as well as nearly any surgical procedure, so don’t be alarmed. Swelling after tummy tuck can last for several weeks, but there are some things you can do to help keep it under control. Three helpful ways to reduce tummy tuck swelling time include:

1. Wear compression garments: As part of your postoperative routine, you will be required to wear medical compression garments, specifically to reduce swelling and promote proper, efficient healing. It is critical that you wear your compression garments as directed, which may be 24/7 for several weeks.

2. Stay mobile: While it is essential that patients get plenty of rest during tummy tuck recovery, it is also important to incorporate very light walking into your daily routine. This helps to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and minimize the risk of postoperative complications, such as blood clots. Simply walking around the room or to and from the bathroom several times a day is usually sufficient for the first several days after surgery. Too much activity, or activities that are too strenuous, can actually slow your healing and cause complications as well. Talk to your surgeon about finding the right balance.

3. Watch your diet: Whether you have had surgery or not, eating too much salt can exacerbate swelling, bloating, and water retention. A common misconception is that drinking more water will make the swelling worse, but the opposite is actually true. Make sure you stay adequately hydrated and minimize your sodium intake to reduce tummy tuck swelling.

At your preoperative appointments, as well as on the day of surgery, Dr. Khorsandi will provide you with both written and verbal instructions to ensure that your recovery is as smooth, comfortable, and speedy as it can be.

Upper abdominal bloating after tummy tuck

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear that you are having some upper abdominal bloating after your tummy tuck surgery. You should be able to see your surgeon again in a couple of weeks to discuss what may be causing this and how we can address it for you.

You are not alone. The first time I ate a meal 4 weeks post-op, my stomach looked like I was 5 months pregnant.

The swelling will gradually improve over time and is normal for the first few months after surgery. If you are still concerned about your bloating, contact your doctor as soon as possible so they can help determine if there is another cause of your symptoms (such as infection).

If it continues to be bothersome, we can help you find the right doctor to address your needs.

If you’re still experiencing these symptoms after a few months, we can help you find the right doctor to address your needs.

This is normal and to be expected after a tummy tuck. If it persists, you should see your surgeon for a follow up appointment.

It can take up to 6 months for all of the swelling to go away and for you to feel like yourself again.

I agree with Dr. Temmen – it takes time for the swelling to subside but as time goes on it gradually improves.

I agree with Dr. Temmen – it takes time for the swelling to subside but as time goes on it gradually improves. The first few weeks after surgery are the most painful and swollen, but your body will start improving from there. I would recommend getting up and moving around as much as possible during this time, even if you have to take small steps at first. This will help reduce swelling and also speed up recovery by keeping your blood circulating throughout your body so that nutrients can reach all areas rather than just sitting in one place (which is what happens when we sit still). It sounds like you are doing everything right! Keep up with these good habits and continue working hard towards recovery!

If you think that your upper abdominal bloating may also be related to a hiatal hernia or GERD then you should see your general surgeon for an evaluation to see if surgery is warranted.

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It typically takes several months for all of the swelling to resolve and for you to see your final contour results. Once all of the swelling resolves you will notice that your upper abdominal fullness is improved and that you have a flatter abdomen with more defined waistline and flanks after your tummy tuck surgery.

It typically takes several months for all of the swelling to resolve and for you to see your final contour results. Once all of the swelling resolves you will notice that your upper abdominal fullness is improved and that you have a flatter abdomen with more defined waistline and flanks after your tummy tuck surgery.

In addition, there are some things that can be done during this time period while we wait for the final results:

Avoid strenuous activity such as heavy lifting or jumping up and down off furniture (i.e., jumping jacks) until at least 4 weeks postoperatively so as not to undo any work that has been done thus far; this includes sexual intercourse until 6 weeks postoperatively.*

You may start exercising again but do so slowly over several weeks until full recovery is achieved before returning back into normal activities such as running on treadmills etcetera

Bloating may arise from many sources, one of which may be wearing a tight garment post surgery which can aggravate the viscera, causing bloating or reflux in some cases. Go back and discuss this with your surgeon so he/she can properly advise you on how to treat this problem and whether or not any further evaluation is needed.

Bloating is a common post-operative complication that can be caused by many different factors. One of these possible causes may be wearing a tight garment post surgery which can aggravate the viscera, causing bloating or reflux in some cases. Go back and discuss this with your surgeon so he/she can properly advise you on how to treat this problem and whether or not any further evaluation is needed.

If you have reflux (heartburn), see your doctor as soon as possible because it could lead to more serious conditions if left untreated!

how to get rid of upper belly bulge after tummy tuck

BULGING AND SORE ABS YEARS AFTER TUMMY TUCK SURGERY

I am two years post complete tummy tuck surgery. My question is that my upper abdomen is still sore and bulges out over the lower. Should I be concerned? My surgeon has liposuctioned that spot after a year but I am still bulging out. I’m wondering if there is another problem that I should be concerned about. Not only am I sensitive in this part, I am also very asymmetric. Which was so called “fixed” a year ago. I am ready to seek advice from another surgeon. Please help?

UPPER ABDOMEN BULGE AFTER TUMMY TUCKIt depends a bit on what your surgery involved and when you started noticing the bulge. Abdominal contour is dependent on: Skin envelope Abdominal fat (subcutaneous and intrabdominal) Muscles tightness Intrinsic Swelling Fluid collections Skin Envelope – People complaining of “abdominal bulge” after tummy tuck typically do not have issues with too much skin – that points to issues underneath the skin. Abdominal fat – This can be an issue in people who may be a little bit over their ideal body weight at the time of abdominoplasty. Ways to fix this include the tried and true diet and exercise or liposuction. Be sure to allow enough time between tummy tuck and liposuction to minimize complications. Muscle tightness – Muscles plication (or tightening) is usually a part of abdominoplasty. Either failure of the sutures or some laxity can cause a bulge. If the change in your contour was sudden or if you felt a pop – think about the plication having ruptured. Swelling – This can be the most common cause of contour issues post-abdominoplasty. Patients typically have swelling for two reasons. First surgery causes trauma and the body’s response to trauma is to bring additional fluid into the area that has been traumatized. In addition, abdominoplasty involves dividing lymphatic channels (very very small conduits that normally pull fluid out of tissue) – until these channels grow back the area will not be able to remove excess fluid. It is usually the most dependent (lowest) part of the surgery that stays swollen the longest. Fluid collections – Seromas (serous fluid collections) or hematomas (collections of old blood) can cause distortions of contour. Normally this will improve on its own but may require drainage. In your case it sounds like the superior muscle plication may be a bit loose or has ruptured. That would account for the bulge and the asymmetry. This can be confirmed with a CT scan. Correction would require additional surgery. I hope this helps.

why is my stomach flabby after tummy tuck

Immediately after tummy tuck surgery, patients are likely to see a difference in the look and projection of their abdomen. However, it may not resemble the flat tummy they expected. Over the following few days, they may grow concerned when the tummy does not flatten and maybe even appears more protruded than after surgery. Reassuring patients that the tummy takes time to heal can help, but also frustrate them because there is nothing to do but wait. When does the tummy become flat after tummy tuck?

The amount of time it takes for the abdomen to heal and the final results come in varies from patient to patient. Typically, within three to four months, patients should have little visible swelling left. Yet, it can take a full year for their final results to totally come in. Swelling is often the main culprit of why the tummy may not look flat during recovery. As this resolves, the tummy will begin to show it’s new shape.

Additionally, the skin, muscles, and fat of the abdomen were all repaired or altered during the procedure. These structures need time to heal and settle into their new positions. This causes inflammation, swelling, and other temporary side effects that can contribute to the look of the stomach. Ultrasound massages can help resolve swelling and fluid build up. Generally, patients should see their flat tummy emerge within three to six months, though it may take as long as a year.

stomach bigger after tummy tuck

What Is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty targets excess skin and fat and repairs weakened or damaged abdominal muscles to deliver a flatter, tighter, slimmer waistline. This procedure is ideal for patients with loose skin and stubborn fatty deposits after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or due to the natural process of aging. With an incision made just above the pubic line, your plastic surgeon will repair stomach muscles and remove the unwanted skin and fat creating a streamlined, natural-looking contour.

Healing From Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is a major surgery and you will need some time to heal. Most patients can resume normal activities like driving, work, and moderate exercise 3-4 weeks post-op. Tenderness, swelling, and redness generally last for up to four weeks, but for some patients it can be a little longer. After four weeks, most patients report that they feel almost fully recovered, but minor swelling can linger for weeks and months to come.

Swelling After Abdominoplasty Is Normal

It is normal and expected that patients will experience swelling after a tummy tuck. This area is rich with blood vessels and lymphatic vessels (the body’s drainage system), but abdominoplasty surgery will impair the regular functions of these systems, slowing down the drainage and resulting in a fluid buildup, or swelling.

The amount of swelling is dependent on the patient’s natural healing patterns as well as the extent of the surgery. A mini tummy tuck will likely result in less swelling, but adding liposuction to achieve optimal results will increase the likelihood of swelling and more areas of your torso will be affected.

Swelling May Come And Go

The majority of swelling will resolve in the first couple of weeks after your surgery. But it is important to note that healing and recovery is a process and you will likely experience fluctuations in the amount of swelling day to day, or even throughout one day. Diet and activity can affect swelling. For instance, standing for a long period of time can cause fluids to pool and increase swelling, and drinking plenty of water and a healthy diet including plenty of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables can speed up healing and reduce swelling.

When Will Swelling Go Away?

You will absolutely be able to see a difference in your waistline in the first few days following a tummy tuck, but you should expect to experience some pain, swelling, bruising, and redness for several weeks. The majority of bruising and swelling will resolve in 4-6 weeks, but it could take up to one full year for all swelling to disappear and for you to be able to fully appreciate the final results of your abdominoplasty.

Tips For Faster Healing And To Minimize Swelling

Swelling is unavoidable after a tummy tuck, but these tips will help you minimize swelling and speed up your recovery:

Get plenty of rest and elevate your legs when possible
Follow your surgeon’s instructions
Wear your compression garment
Stay hydrated
Move a bit each day (avoid rigorous activity, but gentle walking when cleared by your surgeon will promote healing)
Eat a nutrient-rich, low sodium diet

A Flatter, Firmer, Slimmer Waistline With Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty will target the excess skin and fat that remains even after your best efforts with exercise and healthy eating. Excellent results can be achieved with a mini or a full tummy tuck and by combining your abdominoplasty with liposuction. Abdominoplasty will repair damaged abdominal muscles and flatten and tighten your belly, but it is a major surgical procedure and bruising and swelling are expected. You will notice a change immediately following surgery, but if you still have a small belly in the weeks after surgery, do not worry. Swelling can take several weeks and up to one year to fully resolve. You will have the waistline you desire, in no time at all.

Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in abdominoplasty and other body contouring surgical procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options for tummy tuck surgery and for other surgical and non-surgical treatments to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at 1-780-407-6691 or fill out the form below.

Upper Abdominal Bloating After Tummy Tuck