93%

1,899 reviews

Worth It Rating Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings

Tummy Tuck Cost ≈ $8,400 average cost

Write a review | Ask a Question

Red Marks, Bump Above Belly Button After Tummy Tuck

I am 9 weeks post op from tummy tuck. The entire muscle around the belly button is still swollen, hard, and sore. I also have two red marks and the doctor said he didn't know what are these. When I sit, there is a bump above the belly button. Are these normal?

Also, is it normal to come in for a mini tummy tuck and come out with a full tummy tuck? My doctor was a no show on my 1 day check up and 2 other check up visits.

Asked 32 months ago by Bella in OC in aliso viejo, Ca

Read my review "Tummy Tuck Recovery 9 Weeks Post Op"

Tags:

Your history is unusual

This sounds very unusual and the story does not seem typical, Red bumps around the umbilicus could be due to a variety of causes. If you are not satisied with the surgeons' explanation, you may want to seek a second opinion.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

See another surgeon

It is very unlikely that a good, reputable plastic surgeon would convert you to a full tummy-tuck without your consent. It is also extremely unlikely that they would not be present in your post-operative follow-up visits. Do you have a scar around your belly button? If not, you probably did not have a full abdominoplasty. Your complaints about your abdomen could be from various factors: the muscles were tightened below the belly button but not well above the belly button, or you have fluid... more

Sirish Maddali, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon

Two sides to every story

Bella, I am going to guess that you did not have your surgery performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, or, his/her explanation differs significantly from yours. There is not a board certified plastic surgeon in his right mind that would perform a full tummy tuck when you expected a mini, or that would miss both your first and second follow up visits. I recommend a visit to a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. Good luck!

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Not usual

It is impossible to diagnose your complaints. It sounds like the lumps above the navel are where the fascia wasn't tightened. An exam is needed. Some redness is normal in scars as they heal, but I can't comment on your situation. I would recommend a second opinion. You may have fluid build up, swelling, or even a problem with the strength layer. The redness may or may not be something to worry about. The doctor should keep his appointments. sek

Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Tummy Tuck Redness

Might be a good idea to find out what exactly was done to the muscle above the belly button. Occasionally, permanent sutures/stitches are used to pull the separated muscles back together towards the middle; these sutures are secured by knots (one located high near the center of the ribs and the other at the upper belly button). These permanent suture knots can be "rejected" by the body and cause a red area of inflammation called a sterile pyogenic granuloma. The body tries to... more