It is very normal to have some swelling above the incision. Many times scar massage will help with this. Also there is the possibility of seroma or fluid accumulation in the space beneath the skin and this would need to be aspirated. Just check in with your surgeon and they will let you know what to do. (Scott Tucker, MD, Winston Salem Plastic Surgeon)
Fluid and swelling after a tummy tuck
It is very normal to have prolonged swelling (meaning weeks to months) after a tummy tuck. There are two types of fluid collections we see. I like to think of them as fluid in a sponge (your body is the sponge) vs fluid in a water balloon (hopefully your body is not the water balloon – we call this a tummy tuck seroma.)
If you have regular old sponge-like swelling your body will absorb it. If you have a water balloon we need to pop it (stick in a needle to drain out the fluid.) See your doctor, they will know which. (Byron D. Poindexter, MD, Reston Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling and stiffness, and a numb feeling just above the tummy tuck incision line is the norm. It is not unusual to perceive a small bulge at the present. Most often the area will soften and flatten in, and the process may take several months.
There is a natural mismatch between the skin in the abdomen and the pubic skin for some and we tend to reduce the under-surface of the tummy tuck flap to smooth the transition. If the bulge does persist, touch-up liposuction can straighten things out. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling over tummy tuck incision
This is normal and expected. Give it a few months to improve. Your surgeon most likely made sure it is not a fluid collection (serum) (Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS, Chicago Plastic Surgeon).
If you are only 3 weeks post tummy tuck, you are more than likely still swollen .This may take several months to improve. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
Fluid under the skin-fat flap is a seroma. Fluid in the tissue layers leaves a ridge. Please contact your surgeon. The distinction is easily made by an experienced doctor. (H. Michael Roark, MD, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling at Tummy Tuck Scar
The scar may be firm, raised with surrounding swelling. If you do notice a fluid wave when tapping your tummy, however, this may be consistent with a fluid collection or seroma. Followup with your plastic surgeon for further evaluation. (Stephen Delia, MD, Boston Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling about Tummy Tuck incision
Often there is a benign ridge of swelling either due to edema, that will gradually improve over the coming weeks, or a mismatch between the thinning tissues above the pubis and the thicker tissue from the abdomen.
If there is a persistent ridge 3-6 months out, a conservative liposuction to thin out the thicker tissues and blend it into the thinner tissues may be helpful. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Although most wounds get hard after surgery, peaking at 4-6 weeks after operation, a skilled examination by your doctor will differentiate this from something more serious, like a collection of fluid. Stop by and ask him/her. (Leland Deane, MD, Long Island Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling in the first month after surgery can be normal or can be the sign of a seroma. Also if liposuction was part of the procedure that swelling could also be normal.
Have you surgeon check for a seroma and if there is not one i likely will resolve. (David L. Abramson, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)