What is this bulge in my upper abdomen? (Photo)

Question

I have had a bulge in my upper abdomen since surgery, I thought it would change or go away. I am exactly two weeks post op. Full tt, muscle repair, and umbilical hernia repair.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment.Generally speaking,  an abdominal wall "bulge" after tummy tuck may be related to:
1. Swelling in the soft tissues.  This may take several months to resolve and may worsen with increased activity  or at the end of the day.   Patience  is required to allow for resolution of the swelling. The swelling occurs because of the interruption of venous and lymphatic channels that occurs during the tummy tuck operation.
2. Fluid accumulation in the space between the skin and the abdominal wall muscle.  this may consist of blood ( hematoma)  or serum (seroma).  This fluid accumulation can generally be diagnosed by physical examination ( occasionally ultrasound  may be helpful).  Treatment consists of aspiration;  several episodes of aspiration may be necessary. 
3. Separation of the abdominal wall muscle repair may lead to a swelling/bulge appearance. This may be diagnosed on physical examination  with your surgeon examining you in different bodily positions. One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication)  of the rectus muscles.  These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.
4. Residual adipose tissue may be confused for swelling. Again this is most easily diagnosed by physical examination. Additional liposuction surgery maybe necessary to improve the results of surgery.
Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year  (or greater) for complete skin redraping  to occur.
I hope this helps.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

I think that is swelling convined with liquids, that's normal after a surgery like this one. Also, don't be alarmed, but it can be an acumulation of liquids or commonly called, seroma. Visit your doctor and tell him/she everything!!

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This swelling could have different etiologies, such as post operative edema, seroma, hematoma, dehiscence of the fascial sutures, etc. It is not possible to make the diagnosis without an in-person examination. Having said that, You are very early in the healing process at this point. Healing from surgery will take time. In the initial phase after surgery, within the first three months, there is a period of inflammation and scarring that must occur in order for you to heal. Over ensuing months these processes will subside and the inflammatory process gives way to scar softening and remodeling. It is during this time that you will start to see your results appear. I tell my patients that they will not see their final results for at least to 6 months.I would recommend to continue close follow up with your plastic surgeon as they are in the best position to evaluate and treat you during your post operative recovery. This will allow you and your surgeon the chance to discuss your concerns and help allay any anxieties you may be experiencing. Best wishes.

Deborah vanVliet, MD · Answer

Could be a simple bruise at this early juncture or a small seroma.If it doesn't settle over time it may represent a focal area where your muscle repair didn't hold.Its too early to tell yet.  Keep holding hands and following up with your plastic surgeon. The tincture of time and your surgeons expertise will answer that question for you.

Neil T. Chen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There could be a number of differential diagnoses, with hematoma or seroma more likely. Your PS will be able to tell you more after a examine you. Best of luck.

What is this bulge in my upper abdomen? (Photo)

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Answer: Bulge above umbilicus after tummy tuck

Answer: Bulge above umbilicus after tummy tuck

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What is this bulge in my upper abdomen? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Early days yet

Answer: Early days yet

Answer: Bulge above umbilicus after tummy tuck

Answer: Bulge above umbilicus after tummy tuck

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