Bulging in tummy tuck area 1 year and 2 months post op? What could this be and how can I fix it? (Photos)

Question

Hello I have this bulging in my stomach I had my tummy tuck for 1 year 2 months and I’m tryna figure out where it’s coming from it wasn’t there when I first got it and even after 5 months it wasn’t there I need help

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Noticing a bulge more than a year after tummy tuck can be concerning, especially since it was not present early in your recovery. There are several possible explanations. Sometimes the abdominal muscle repair can stretch or separate again, creating a new area of fullness. In other cases, a small hernia can develop at the belly button or along the incision. Localized fat deposits or scar tissue are also possibilities, although these usually appear earlier.
Because this developed months after the surgery, the most important step is to have your surgeon or another qualified specialist examine the area. An ultrasound or CT scan may be recommended to determine whether this is a hernia or muscle separation.
The good news is that most of these issues can be corrected, but the treatment depends on identifying the exact cause.
I have also shared a detailed video where I explain the common reasons for bulging after tummy tuck and show patient examples of how they can be addressed.
&mdash; Güray Yesiladali, MD

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  I would suggest reaching out to the surgeon for a follow-up.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

for unexplained changes post op, it is always a good idea to ask your surgeon to assure there are no post surgical complications going on. This does look like protuberance from visceral fat inside of the abdomen.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Please return to your surgeon for an assessment, You may have developed an issue with your abdominal muscle repair, or it could be that you’ve gained weight. Either way, your surgeon would be able to tell you what the issue may be.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

This cannot be extra abdominal fat, this has to be intraabdominal fat.  You have gained weight and have a weak abdominal wall.  When I perform tummy tucks, I routinely use mesh, which creates a more hourglass figure, compresses the abdominal wall and results in early satiety as helps maintains the reduced weight.  You may need a repeat tummy tuck with mesh reinforcement.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Bulging in tummy tuck area 1 year and 2 months post op? What could this be and how can I fix it? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: See your surgeon

Answer: See your surgeon

Answer: Repeat tummy tuck with mesh reinforcement

Answer: Repeat tummy tuck with mesh reinforcement

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Bulging in tummy tuck area 1 year and 2 months post op? What could this be and how can I fix it? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: See your surgeon

Answer: See your surgeon

Answer: Repeat tummy tuck with mesh reinforcement

Answer: Repeat tummy tuck with mesh reinforcement

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.