What is this hard lump on my tummy tuck incision that hurts? (Photos)

Question

Hello for the last two days I have developed a hard lump on my tummy tuck incision . I am three months postop surgery was July 7, 2017 .it is on my right hand side and when I move it has a pain to it. Also lately it been feeling warm to the touch. It's about 2 inches big and very hard and it's right in my scarline from tummy tuck. It's not squishy or liquidy,it's hard with sharp pinching pains. What is this? A cyst? Fibrosis?

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Your photos are small and not that helpful. It's difficult to say without examining you in person. You may be noticing an area of firm scar tissue or a spitting suture. A spitting suture is when a suture makes its way to the skin surface before the body can absorb it. I would recommend that you contact your surgeon for specific advice. They may want to re-examine you to make sure that everything is okay.

Himansu Shah, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you. However from looking at the photos it appears that this may be a deep suture that is trying to work it's way out. It is best to have an examination by your board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. The pictures are small and not that helpful. I suspect that this is a deep stitch that is working its way out. Your best bet is to be seen by your plastic surgeon for an evaluation and treatment plan.Good luck!

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi hamster,
Most likely it is a stich abscess which can happen after a TT. Keep the area clean and covered with a gauze. Try to avoid clothing that can rub on the area. You might also trying putting a clean warm, wet compress on it as well several times/day. No heating pads.  Call your PS in the am and go in for an evaluation.
Best,
Dr. Christine Rodgers

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

Surgeons often place deep sutures under the skin to help hold the incision together and relieve tension.  It is possible that one of these sutures has developed an infection and might need to be removed, especially given the hardness, redness, warmth and pain, which are all signs of infection.  It would be best if you could follow up with your surgeon this week so he or she can take a look and remove the stitch if necessary.  Best of luck with your continued recovery!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear HAMSTERFACE,it is hard to tell without an examination but it is probably an inflammation around your stitch. In most cases it resolves once the stitch is removed. 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

Ali Mosharrafa, MD · Answer

This requires follow up with your plastic surgeon.  This could represent infection requiring antibiotics, an area of unhealthy tissue beneath the skin, or an abscess, which may require a surgical procedure to resolve.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Ali Mosharrafa

Neal Handel, MD · Answer

It is not too unusual for lumps to occur several months after a tummy tuck. It may be an area of fat necrosis (fat cells that die and liquefy) or it could be a small stitch abscess (superficial infection around a suture). I suggest applying moist warm compresses 3-4 times a day. You should return to your surgeon for evaluation as well…

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Three months is a little late for a suture abscess however that remains the most likely cause of a tender lump in your incision.  Often these won't heal until either the suture is removed or it drains with any surrounding fluid.Seek evaluation from your plastic surgeon asap. Best wishes,Jon A. Perlman, M.D. FACS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
  
Beverly Hills, Ca.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Most likely the hard lump is a suture spit in which a deep suture is trying to work its way out from under the skin.  However infection or abscess is also a possibility.  It is very important that she see your plastic surgeon for an examination and treatment.

What is this hard lump on my tummy tuck incision that hurts? (Photos)

Answers (10)

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