Swollen abdomen after bilateral diep

[Thankful1]

I know it’s years since these post but I was so happy to see it. I’m 4 weeks post op BLM and 1 week post op removal of expanders and scar revision as my body did not like the expanders at all! :(. But the worst part now is my belly looks pregnant. Bad enough to be flat I literally have a Buddha belly. I’m hoping this goes down soon as I just this week stopped taking narcotics and thought maybe it’s from that. Unlike others here I didn’t have any abdomen surgery for reconstruction so I’m not sure what’s causing it. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[jillybee]

Hay578....I have pre op assesment booked and letter yesterday confirming surgery date...middle of next month.Feeling relieved it is all happening.How are you doing????

[hay578]

Awwww that sounds rubbish jillybee559 hope they get you sorted soon. I'm now 7 weeks post op, swelling gone down slightly but still look pregnant. Don't see my surgeon till may. I hope it goes down soon though. Xx

[jillybee]

How are the swollen tummies? I will have to have further surgery.They can not drain it.Being opened up on tummy tuck site,may lose my new tummy button.Will have drains in.This will happen in April.A bit despondent,however,I can get out and about.This will be my 10th op,not counting the 4 Breast surgery operations I had 2000-20004! Could write a book.....😬😬😬

[jillybee]

How are the swollen tummies?have they gone down? Mine hasn't .....told they can't drain anymore,as too much membrane and tissue in abdomen.So,more surgery.Feel quite alone as was told it is very unusual...even the Dr.I saw in the week didn't know what will happen....my consultant back tomorrow.BCN to see her,and get me sorted.😤😏

[jillybee]

I know we have swelling post op....had 8 ops last winter because implants didn't work,also,2 total hip replacements.But what has happened is that the fluid had not gone down at all,all very solid,with lining round it.Is it it a fantastic bit of surgery though!my boobs look lovely!!😆

[drdspg]

Hi, have had bilateral DIEP three weeks ago. Whilst the swelling under my breasts is going down there is still lots of swelling in the abdominal area. This is not likely to fully resolve until about 6 months post op. If you think of films where some one has had a single punch to the face and how enormously it swells; how much more is the swelling after hours and hours of surgery likely to be...

[jillybee]

Me too.....thought I was the only one.Had DIEP in July,twice fluid built up and had 2 lots of drainage,600 Mls then 400 mls,August and September,however,came back again,just fills up like a water tank,tops itself up as soon as emptied.
Appointment at Hospital end of October,tummy gone hard.Had CT scan mid December,results beginning of Jan.....all very protracted,Seroma had capsulated,so like carrying a water filled football around.
Then told needed ultra sound guided aspiration.More waiting.Saw GP,referred me back to my original surgeon,at my local District General hospital.( DIEP done at Regional hospital,some hour and half away)
Anyway,my consultant did ultrasound guided drainage,400 Mls....BUT locculated.....yup,new to me,as well....but like gone into little pockets.
Soooooo,back to her next week,and she may have to do surgery.

I did ask if there was anything I could do,nothing basically.....walking and drinking plenty has not done anything.Been a hard old slog.....plenty of tears.
LONG STORY.........GENTLE HUGS........xxx

[rosie14]

Hi ladies I had a double mx in July and had a very swollen abdomen it looked as if I was expecting. The surgeon said to be patient and it would go. I was told the best thing to do,was to drink plenty of water to flush it through and to walk around as much as possible. It took bout 2/3 weeks to disappear but it did! 😃

[Kentstar]

Hi, Thank you for raising this issue as I had literally just said to my other half I think I'm swollen in upper abdomen since my mastectomy, implant and reduction operation on dec 4th. I look about 6-7 months pregnant. I have lost 10 lbs since my op through diet and exercise and another 2 inches from my under bust and over bust, but if anything my tummy appears bigger. I did wonder at first if it was just that I could see my tummy now when I look down, however he agrees that it does look very swollen. At times it is very solid. I have looked online and can't find any info on this. I too would be interested if it is to do with the operation? Stella x

[hay578]

Hi ladies hope you're all well.
I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate recon 4 weeks ago, pleased with results re my boobs, but my tummy is really swollen and quite hard, I look pregnant 😞. Seen my surgeon on fri and he tried aspirating but no fluid he seems to think u have fluid round organs and swelling from op. Have other ladies had this and how long till the swelling went down, did anything help?
Tia Hayley xx