How can the bulges under my boobs be fixed? (Photos)

Question

I had an ETT on 09/03/21 My surgeon told me that he wouldn't be able to get rid of the bulges under my boobs. At the time I was so happy to lose my tummy I didn't question it but now I have a lovely flat stomach, these upper bulges do really bother me! Each bulge is a handful of skin. I have asked my surgeon since how I can fix this & he's been very vague & I've left without any answers of direction. I wonder if someone here could give me their thoughts on how they'd fix it. Thank you :)

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

Based on your photos the best likely solution is liposuction. It is difficult to fully determine and provide accurate recommendations without a physical exam. I would recommend seeing a board certified or board eligible plastic surgeon.

Andre P. Marshall, MD · Answer

Hi crazydaisyx6, 
Overall you look great after your procedure. Sometimes patients get additional liposuction after a tummy tuck for additional definition and refining. You would likely benefit fro addtional liposuction if what you have under your breasts is adipose tissue (fat). A consultation with your surgeon or another board certified plastic surgeon is the best first step in addressing your concerns. 
Dr. Andre P. MarshallDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The solution would be a breast lift and I recommend The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question!
This is a tricky area. Many women have this. The best treatment is actually a reverse abdominoplasty, with incisions under the breasts to pull this tissue up into the breast crease. If you desire any breast work, like a lift and/or augmentation, this would be a perfect win-win.
I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon for an assessment.
Best of luck to you!

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. First of all, your surgeon did an excellent job in reshaping your body. It is not uncommon after these procedures that additional liposuction can be done later on to further improve and define your results. I would do liposuction of the upper abdomen and anterior and lateral chest wall to blend in with the lower abdomen. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. It sounds like your surgeon is not fully confident in treating this area for you. Good luck.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hello. You look great by the way but I can understand your concern. The good news is it is an easy fix! It is risky to treat the bulges under the breasts at the same time as the Tummy Tuck because it may reduce blood flow to the abdomen. But liposuction can now safely be performed to treat the excess fat, preferably with any type of energy assisted liposuction like Vaser Lipo, to reduce loose skin. In extreme  cases liposuction plus skin excision may be an option with the scar hidden beneath the breast fold.
Hope this is helpful.

Best of luck!
Dr. Miguel Mota

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear crazydaisyx6,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There is no doubt that you achieved very good result.! The upper abdominal bulge may be treated with additional liposuction of the area, which will further improve your result. Good luck.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

The indications for this are few, but in your case, it may be ideal.  This would remove the excess uper abdominal wall skin via an incision along your inframammary fold.  Along with liposuction of this area, this should correct the issue.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question and for posting excellent photos to go with the question. 
I would fix this with liposuction.
Fat accumulation over the lower ribs happens in some women.  It often feels like a handful of skin but there is usually fat underneath that is causing the small bulge.   I find that liposuction does an excellent job in this area.   
With any liposuction surgery, there can be loose skin afterwards, however I find that in this location on the body, the skin normally bounces back quite nicely.  I also notice on your before surgery photo that you do not have stretchy skin in this area like you did in the other areas of your tummy. However, I also note in your first photo that there is a crease in your midline upper tummy when you bend over, so it is really important that you see a surgeon who will carefully assess your skin tone before making a final decision. 
Coolsculpting is another excellent option for this area, and again an experienced technician is required, to ensure that the device will fit well and will work for you in this area.
All the best with you and your ongoing research,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer