What is the bulge above my belly button after tummy tuck?

Question

I had a tummy tuck done in July of this year. Everything is healing well but in the passed two months the what I assume is muscle above my belly button stays hard. It used to get hard then go away but now it's like the muscle is a bulge right above the belly button and when I lay down and then sit up and use muscles I feel the bulge but it doesn't hurt. Is this normal and does it go away?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The area you describe above the navel is the second most common place to get a seroma after an abdominoplasty. It's possible that what you are experiencing is a chronic seroma. This should improve with time. A hernia in any area is possible but would be most unlikely. You should check in with your surgeon and discuss this.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  I would recommend seeing your surgeon for an in-person examination as feeling the tissues is paramount to an appropriate diagnosis.  This bulge may be due to loose abdominal muscles, a hernia, a discrete fluid collection, residual adipose tissue, or the result of sutures from your muscle repair.  Talk to your surgeon, they should be able to offer you the best advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear meagnash,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you have any concerns, I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

It certainly could be the muscle however there are other possible considerations. A seroma(walled off collection of fluid) may be causing this bulge. A hernia may also cause this. Much less likely considering your recent surgery. Displaced subcutaneous fat may also create a “bulge” after the skin of the abdomen is moved during the Tummy Tuck. Check with your plastic surgeon. A physical exam and perhaps some radiographic test will help to determine the cause. Best Wishes

What is the bulge above my belly button after tummy tuck?

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