Question:
Had tummytuck and hernia repair (anchor incision) 7 weeks ago.

Then suddenly this week, after stupidly?? sitting at my computer cross-legged, indian style for several hours, after I arose I had the most excrutiating pain in the incision area (hips area mostly) of the tummy tuck. I saw the surgeon the next day as it was absolutely horrible pain, he noted I was swollen, gave me another round of antiobiotics and celebrex. Now, 3 days later, while the pain is much better now, the area remains very swollen, much more swollen than it's ever been and I'm worried i've pulled everything loose inside or stretched it or something. The doc said to come back in a week if it wasn't better. He said if I tore the muscle it would heal on it's own?? Any advise?    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on October 24, 2004)

October 24, 2004
I am about 7 weeks post op tt, and I started swelling and had pain. Can you feel fluid or a swish when you bend over? You may have a seroma, and need to be asperaited, no biggi mine injected a small amount of zilocane,or lydocane for mumbing, and then she took out the fluid,44cc, and then sent me to the hospital for an ultra sound to check for more fluid build up. The rest of the fluid was in the tissues, so I will wear my binder to keep the swelling down. If you have insurance, and it is bothering you, see if he will order you an ultra sound, no need to suffer. Good luck, Rosemary
   — wizz40

October 25, 2004
I'm also 7 weeks out with the hernia/panneculectomy surgery. I really got swollen about 2 weeks ago, but I found that my stomach will swell with my salt intake. Do you still wear some type of support garment? I found that it helps to wear a support garment.
   — Debra J.

October 25, 2004
Hi Debra. Sounds like you may have separated some of the internal stitches. Really nothing to do about it except let it heal. I've had patients many months down the road have the exact same problem, after a hard sneeze or cough and it causes a "tearing" pain. All healed without affecting their results!
   — DrL

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