There are several reasons why you may have a bulge in the upper abdominal area following a tummy tuck procedure.
For example, the bulge may be due to excessive upper abdominal skin which was not adequately pulled and transferred inferiorly at the time of your initial surgery. It could possibly be due to excessive fat which sometimes can give the appearance of a bulge in the upper abdomen (this certainly is amenable to additional liposuction).
Ruptured sutures that were used to tighten and bring together the rectus abdominal muscles may be a cause. Also, I have seen bulges in the upper abdomen due to over tightening the muscles below creating the bulge above.
Lastly, a bulge in the upper abdomen may be due to a combination of the causes mentioned above. The actual timing of when you first noticed the bulge and a good physical examination is essential in determing the cause and the best treatment as it relates to you.
I'm sure that your plastic surgeon would be the most suitable one to determing the actual etiology of your bulge and the easiest solution to correct or improve your appearence. He/she knows you the best and understands your pre-operative physical condition. Also, your Plastic Surgeon would know what techniques were employed at the time of your surgery.
I would strongly advise you to continue your dialogue with him. If your confidence is totally lost, then I would seek a second opinion with another plastic surgeon.
Thanks for your question; I hope that this is helpful to you.
Stephen Goldstein, MD
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