Is it normal for my lower stomach and top part of my mons pubis to feel hard like a rock after tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

It's going on 7 weeks. I had a tummy tuck, aggressive lipo and Lipo in the pubis mons area. The munis area and above my tt incision feels like there's a super hard mass and it's red. It's harder on one side too. I can't go back to my surgeon because they are across the state. Do I need to go to the ER? My lymphatic massage therapist said it looks like hematoma. Should I worry or will this go away on it's own ?

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear yily doll,   Thanks for submitting your pictures.  From observing your pictures, you appear to have a large bulge from the belly button to the pubic area. Without examining you, it is impossible to tell,  if it is from hematoma, seroma or loose muscle. Swelling from liposuction, usually , last , mostly,  for about a month and is never protruding that much, so it is unlikely the cause for the bulge.   Your best option is to return to your surgeon, to rule out hematoma or seroma, because  if it exists, it needs to be drained. This condition can be diagnosed only by direct  physical exam.    The hardness that you feel, is most likely from the scarring of the liposuction which can be irregular and uneven like you describe. I do not see any signs of infection, but if you have fever  , or  it is painful, go to the ER, to rule out infection and put you on antibiotics.   If the bulge is from loose muscle, you can apply Velcro binder ,  keep it tight for a month or two and avoid strenuous activity. If that does not  flatten the bulge, and it troubles you, you will need to have the lower abdomen muscles tighten again surgically. In that case, again, your best option ( financially) is to return to your original surgeon.                                            Best of luck,                                                             Dr Widder

Tyler Angelos, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling is very normal even 7 weeks out from a tummy tuck, however, this swelling is generally soft. Firm swelling such as you are describing should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While swelling is common, red, hard firm masses are a bit unusual and should be evaluated in person.  Good luck.

Is it normal for my lower stomach and top part of my mons pubis to feel hard like a rock after tummy tuck? (Photo)

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Is it normal for my lower stomach and top part of my mons pubis to feel hard like a rock after tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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