Bulging and Hard Upper Abdomen After Tummy Tuck

asked 3 years ago by amalex in CA
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 13,302 times
Tags: bulging

I had my Tummy Tuck on 12/20/08. Recently, my upper abdomen gets very swollen and my muscles feel very tight and like cards. What could be happening? I have consulted with my surgeon, and he initially thought it was fluid retention.

He checked by placing a needle in the area, but there was none. He said it's very impossible that the stitches used to pull my muscles together came loose. He told me to take it easy, keep wearing my girdle, and massage the area. I was fine for a few weeks, then all of a sudden, here comes the swollen ab again.

Why is this happening? Is it normal, and will it eventually stop? Can I take an X-Ray to find out what is happening? Am I doing something that could be causing this? Please advise, much appreciated.

6 answers to Bulging and Hard Upper Abdomen After Tummy Tuck

Hard to know what bulging upper abdomen is

There are many reasons why you could be noticing changes in your shape at this time. Although there may not be a drainable collection of fluid, fluid may still fill the tissues, much like when you bump or bruise yourself and the area swells. Because lymphatic channels can be disrupted from a tummy tuck, this can sometimes take several months to resolve. Message can help. Perhaps there was some differential in the tightening of the muscle layer. This also can equilibrate with time. ... more

Daniel Sherick, MD
Ann Arbor Plastic Surgeon

www.cprs-aa.com

Continue to be seen frequently by your plastic surgeon

There are several possibilities to explain what is going on. These range from simple to complex. I would advise you to continue to follow up with you plastic surgeon and follow the instructions given. There are imaging studies that might be helpful which include ultrasound and MRI. I hope this helps!

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Englewood Plastic Surgeon

Exclude fluid collection and muscle weakness

An upper abdominal bulge could be either a fluid collection or some loose abdominal tissues (assuming this is a new bulge and it was not present before surgery). A simple ultrasound will detect any fluid collection. Clinical exam could detect weakness of the muscle. CT scan is the ultimate test to examine all these tissues if everything else fails.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Bulging and hard upper abdomen after tummy tuck

On rare occasions, I have seen the compression garments "gather" around your midsection causing a tourniquet like effect with swelling above this area similar to the swelling seen above a tight leg stocking On other occasions, this swelling is actually localized fat and may best be treated with additional liposuction which is not advised at the initial surgical procedure due to concerns with vascualarity and healing At this point, it may be worth a second opinion and... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck post-op

I am not sure of the timing when this question was posted. Is this two years later? If so, it may be scar tissue or weakness in the upper abdomen. Sometimes a CT scan can be very revealing.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Bulging and firm area in the upper abdomen after a tummy tuck

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. In our practice, we include liposuction with every tummy tuck. We strongly feel that liposuction is important technique that allows us to contour your body and reach areas of the abdomen that we otherwise would not be able to get to with a tummy tuck alone. Patients who undergo this procedure must understand that there is a significant recovery process. Patients will experience swelling and bruising that can... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

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