6 years post-op tummy tuck bulge - would it go away if I continue exercising my abs? (Photos)

Dear szamora1,
I understand your concern. Generally speaking, if this is muscle separation, then exercising will not improve it. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

HelloThe hardness would not occur just because you started exercising after surgery 6 years ago. The cause of the bulge can be identified through an ultrasound. Treatment can be planned based on the diagnosis.

It looks to me like there is recurrent diastasis. If so, another repair can be done to tighten that area.

It is very likely that you developed supra umbilical hernia due to excersise. In person evaluation with a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended. Good luck.

You can go to your primary care physician and ask for an ultrasound to see if you have a small hernia. I would avoid abdominal exercises for now until this is ruled out.

It's not possible to tell from the photos the nature of the bulge that concerns you. Is it less noticeable when you first wake? Before/after exercising? Before/after eating? It could possibly be a small hernia. I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation.

It will probably not go away by itself. It looks like a small fat collection or lipoma. It may be possible to treat this with a small touch up lipo under local anesthesia.

The appearance of the upper abdomen bulge must be determined caused by using ultrasound to see if it’s a separation of the muscle repair or a seroma, hematoma cavity, or residual fat. If fat Lipo can reduce this area, other surgeries are indicated for other issues, causing this bulge to virtual consult with. In office ultrasound fee $500