Post-Tummy Tuck Bulge

I had a tummy tuck approx 6 months ago. My upper abdomen is perfect, but right underneath my belly button on the right side, there is a bulge. I have no idea what this is from. I went to get a second opinion in the US, since I had my surgery in another country and the surgeon said that could sometimes happen and maybe my muscles are weak. I had a full tuck and I am very thin. He said since I am pretty small, it is just easier to see any imperfections. That doesn't sound right to me. What could it possibly be? Also, my tummy below my navel is not as flat as I thought it would be, when I sit down and after a meal, it sometimes look like it did, pre-tummy tuck.

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7 answers to “Post-Tummy Tuck Bulge”

A: Post tummy tuck issues

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Without examining you it is dificult to tell, but it may be some normal asymmetry with some excess fat on the right side that may be amenable to liposuction. It could also be fluid. If you feel that the belly is a bit protuberant, it may mean that the muscles may need a bit more tightening.

A: Yout tummy muscles have loosened...

By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hello, Tummy tuck surgery results vary with the specifications of the patient's tissues, general capacity to heal and the surgeon's technique. At times the tummy wall (muscle) will bulge out after it has been tightened. This is less likely with multiple suture line muscular repairs, but all this varies... more

A: Get a second opinion

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

As previiously stated this could be the result of numerous conditions: Seroma, pseudo bursa Hernia/muscle weakness Disruption of muscle repair or no muscle repair previous scars on that side (appendectomy) localized fat Resolving hematoma Skin redundancy Separation of the SFS repair Underlying mass... more

A: Tightening of the abdomen with abdominoplasty - Tummy Tuck

By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

An abdominoplasty is performed by excising redundant tissue and tightening the anterior abdominal wall. In some cases, a lesser form is performed whereby only the excess skin is removed without affecting the lax muscles. In this case, the lower abdomen may still have a lax abdominal wall as a result of... more

A: Get another opinion

By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

This bulge could represent: a seroma a hematoma a hernia inadequate or disrupted abdominal plication asymmetric skin excision The good news is most of these problems can be corrected relatively easily. Seek the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon. Steven Williams, MD

A: Further evaluation by another Plastic Surgeon is necessary.

By David A. Dreyfuss, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

A small bulge in this area is not normal. I would agree that it is something that could be corrected. The most common cause of a fullness in this area is a residual seroma. After drains are removed following a tummy tuck, they can leave an area with some fluid. If this fluid does not... more

A: You should get another opinion.

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Tonija, It is hard to tell from just one picture. However, you should not have an asymmetric bulge as you are describing. There are several causes for a bulge after abdominoplasty. You could have a seroma (a fluid collection under the skin), a hematoma (a blood collection under the skin), retained fat,... more