I Have a Bulge on One Side of my Belly Button That Moves to the Other Side when I Press on It. Is This Normal?

asked 1 year ago by Snody in Houston
Latest answer by Alan Engler, MD
Question viewed 355 times
Tags: belly button, 1 month post-op, fluid, normal

I am worried this could be trapped fluid that needs to be drained. I asked him at my appointment yesterday, and he said it is swelling that is normal 6 weeks post tummy tuck.

6 answers to I Have a Bulge on One Side of my Belly Button That Moves to the Other Side when I Press on It. Is This Normal?

Tummy Tuck - I Have a Bulge on One Side of my Belly Button That Moves to the Other Side when I Press on It. Is This Normal?

Not necessarily - and I agree that you may benefit from having it drained. It's pretty common to have at least some swelling at this early stage; it can take months for all of the swelling to go down. That being said, swelling that shifts from one side to the other, particularly early on, is strongly suggestive of a little fluid being trapped there. While much of it may be absorbed by the body, my preference is to withdraw that fluid (drain it) if at all possible. ... more

Alan Engler, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Bulge by Bellybutton after Tummy Tuck

At 6 weeks post-op, a bulge by your belly button may be one of 3 things- a small fluid collection or seroma, a bulge of fascia where the abdominal wall has been tightened, or a small hernia sac that was possibly not evident at the time of the surgery. If your doctor can not make the determination by examination, an ultrasound would be helpful. None of these causes are critical. A seroma will resolve or may be aspirated. A fascial bulge will soften over time. If a small hernia becomes painful... more

Karen Vaniver, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck

This sounds like you might have a small Seroma in then area. I would contact your surgeon as it may benefit from drainge

David L. Abramson, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Abdominal fluid/swelling after a tummy tuck

Without an exam, I can't say for certain, but it is possible that it is either drainable fluid (a seroma) or swelling in the skin. Your description sounds more like a small seroma. It can be left alone if small, or it can be aspirated if you desire.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Bulge around belly button after tummy tuck

Post-operative swelling can last for months after a tummy tuck, and small fluid accumulations do not always require drainage. Unfortunately, there is no way to assess your situation without a physical exam. I would recommend that you continue close follow-up with your plastic surgeon, or, if you desire another opinion, arrange for an in person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Craig S. Rock, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Could be a seroma

What you are describing could be a seroma which is a fluid collection. Seromas are common for this operation and rarely cause any problems. Not all seromas need to be drained. It depends on the size or amount of fluid and wether it will effect your outcome. When your surgeon examines you he should be able to determine if it is a fluid collection or something else.

Albert Dabbah, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

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