Knot under ribcage post-Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift

I recently had a full Tummy Tuck, and I also had a mastopexy with augmentation done at the same time, due to 125lb weight loss. Now, I have a knot directly under my ribcage, to the left of the belly button. It hurts when I get up or cough. I have had hernias (groin ) in the past and it feels similar. Could it be another hernia related to the Tummy Tuck? I'm 12 days post-op from the Tummy Tuck. What can I do about this?

4 answers to “Knot under ribcage post-Tummy Tuck...”

A: Pain/knot/bulge in upper abdomen following tummy tuck and augmentation mastopexy "mommy makeover":

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

This could be a hernia, it could be a pulled stitch, it could be a resolving neuropraxia, it could be a hematoma/seroma, etc. There are multiple diffferent conditions which could explain the finding you describe but it is difficult to say without an examination. Your best route, is to seek evaluation by your... more

A: Knot under the ribcage

Steven Wallach, MD

This can be many different things from sutures, fat necrosis, fluid collections, etc..  You should really see your doctor to be evaluated.

A: Make a visit to your surgeon

Armando Soto, MD

Hi- there are many possibilities to explain what you feel (listed below by my colleague). It is also possible that you are feeling the sutures he used to tighten your muscles- in patients who have lost a lot of weight, the skin is often thin and it is easier to feel these through it. In either case, you need... more

A: Talk to your surgeon

David Shafer, MD

Cpdmom3, There are many causes to explain the symptoms you are describing, including a seroma (fluid collection), hematoma (blood collection), inadequate fat excision or liposuction (if you had this at the time of our surgery). It would be unusual to have a hernia at the location that you are describing. The... more

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