Lower Abdomen Pooch After Tummy Tuck

After my Tummy Tuck 9 months ago, I still have a pooch in my lower tummy. I can suck it in, but it is still noticable. I know there is no muscle damage or separation because it is still very firm. Is this an area that will need Liposuction? The pooch is pretty much along my incision line. Can it still be just swelling?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Projectbeautiful in Az

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Lower abdominal pooch after tummy tuck

Dear ProjectBeautiful, I do see the "pooch" in the picture you posted, and truthfully it can be caused by several different reasons. The simplest way to get a straight answer is to visit your surgeon and ask them what they think is the cause. But here are some thoughts: 1) The pooch seems to be right above where I'd guess your incision is located. The upper abdominal skin tends to have a thicker fat layer than the mons region in some patients, and this can create a discrepancy... more

Not all tummies become totally flat from a tummy tuck

As Dr. Bogdan so accurately explained, there are many factors that play into how flat your tummy will be after a tummy tuck. Some of these are limitations placed on the result by your body's starting point. Some patients have too much fat within the abdominal cavity to be flat until they lose that fat. The intraabdominal fat is not removed in a tummy tuck. There can be fluid collections (seromas) that can cause prolonged swelling and an ultrasound can determine if you have that. There... more

Bulge above tummy tuck incision.

Liposuction of the tissues above the incision are not generally performed at the time of the initial procedure due to concerns with interfering with healing. You may want to discuss performing liposuction with your surgeon at this point in time see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Lower abdominal fullness

A lower abdominal bulge after a tummy tuck can be several things. I would go back to your surgeon to be evaluated.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Lower abdominal bulging after a tummy tuck

Tummy tuck surgery is a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. During this surgery, your surgeon will typically tighten your muscle layer. It is possible that some of the bulging that you are seeing may be loosening of the muscle repair. Visit with your plastic surgeon and let them know of your concerns. They will examine you to help determine if the swelling is from the loosening of the muscle or is a collection of fluid or fat. This bulging may be easily corrected with... more