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.

Read my review "Tummy tuck recovery 9 weeks post op"

5 answers to “Red marks, bump above belly button...”

A: Your history is unusual

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

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. 

A: See another surgeon

Sirish Maddali, MD

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... more

A: Two sides to every story

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

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... more

A: Not usual

Scott E. Kasden, MD

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... more

A: Tummy Tuck Redness

John Philip Connors III, MD

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... more

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