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Puffy and Ridge in Pubic Area After Tummy Tuck
Post-op swelling after a tummy tuck is still largely present at only three weeks post-op. Swelling occurs as part of your body's natural response to trauma. (Yes, surgery is controlled trauma!) Your body has an impaired ability to resolve this swelling because of the divided lymphatics. Your surgeon may have used drains for the first week or two to collect fluid accumulating under the abdominoplasty flaps. Most of this swelling should go away at 6 - 8 weeks. If the swelling persists it may represent an organized seroma (fluid collection) that will need to be drained, a disruption in the rectus muscle plication or excess fat that might need liposuction. Time is your friend right now. Be sure to discuss the concerns with your plastic surgeon and have regular follow-up.
Clinical Context
The pubic area is the lowest part of the abdominoplasty flap, so fluid tends to pool there with standing or sitting, causing early puffiness. As true swelling fades, some firmness can remain from healing tissue and scar formation along the area of repair. This firmness is different from fluid swelling and can take longer to soften. If a ridge or lump persists beyond a few months, your surgeon should examine it to rule out a fluid collection or other cause.
