Upper Abdomen Much Bigger Post-Op- Why?

Question

hi i had a tummy tuck and now my stomach is bigger, at first it wasnt big and then all of a sudden it got bigger but in the upper abdomen. and the lower left side is bigger then the lower right side. i was wondering is their any type of test i can do to see if the stitches poped or something? i asked my doctor but i really dont believe him he said its fat underneath my muscle and no more lipo can be done. and that the bottom part is my muscle but i really dont believe him. ;(

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are many potential reasons for the concerns you have.  It can be related to visceral fat, as  your surgeon suggested.  If you are early in your recovery it certainly can be from swelling, which can occur unevenly in the earlier phases of healing.  It could also be a potential seroma.  An examination is needed to provide further information.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

This could be caused by excess fat or fluid accumulation (particularly since you mentioned that this happened very suddenly.) Your condition needs to be assessed by your surgeon, which seems like something you’ve already done. You may want to seek a second opinion if you don’t “believe him”.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Bulges in the upper abdomen following a tummy tuck often are the result of an incomplete approximation of the muscles above the belly button. We check for this in the office by having you lie flat while lifting your feet and head off of the table. This puts those abdominal muscle to work and allows for direct examination of the space between them. Your surgeon is correct that if you have too much intra-abdominal fat, no liposuction is going to correct that. However, you sound as though you no longer trust your surgeon's opinion. In that case, I would recommend seeking a second opinion.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The most common cause of an upper abdominal bulge after tummy tuck is an incomplete repair of the muscle in the upper abdomen. If your doctor is not connecting with your concerns and questions, you may need another opinion to help sort things out.
	Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	You may be able to assess the integrity of the abdominal wall muscle plication by  flexing at the waist (diving  position)  while palpating he upper abdominal wall area. If there is significant laxity/bulging in this area when you press inwards you may be dealing with abdominal wall laxity as opposed to superficial adipose tissue.

	It is somewhat unfortunate that you &ldquo;don't believe&rdquo; your plastic surgeon;  if this remains the case a second opinion by a well experienced/ethical  board certified plastic surgeon may be indicated.

	I hope this helps.

Upper Abdomen Much Bigger Post-Op- Why?

Answers (6)