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What could this hard tender mass after hernia surgery be? (photos)

A
alk1988Dec 13, 2015

I had umbilical hernia surgery with mesh on 12/1/15. My abdomen is still severely swollen, and over the past few days I've developed this hard mass above my belly button that extends about 3 inches to the right. It is clearly visible and extremely tender. I'm having a hard time just wearing a tshirt because the slightest touch makes it throb. What could this be? And is it normal for me to be so swollen still? I don't go back for my post op visit until the end of the week.

Answers (5)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS
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Dr. Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Answered on Dec 18, 2015
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Dr. Winfield Hartley, MD - Account Suspended
Dr. Winfield Hartley, MD - Account Suspended
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Dec 15, 2015
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Dr. Jourdan Gottlieb, MD
Dr. Jourdan Gottlieb, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Dec 15, 2015
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Dr. Ciro Adamo, PhD, MD
Dr. Ciro Adamo, PhD, MD
Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Dec 15, 2015
Answer
Dr. Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Dr. Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Dec 15, 2015
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Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS

Hi, thank you for your question. At five months post op, you will still be undergoing healing, so there may be some unusual feelings you are experiencing. Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. It...

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Robert N. Severinac, MD

Any clean barrier between your binder and stitches would work such as a t shirt worn under the binder or feminine napkins over the area if there is drainage.  Non adherent gauze (Telfa) can work as well.

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Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS

You should see your plastic surgeon for a post op check up. Until then keep wearing your compression garment. It could just be swelling but you would have to consult with your surgeon.#tummytuck#TT#tummytuckpostop

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Ozge Ergun, MD

Thanks for the question. Generally, abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of longer than most plastic surgical procedures. It generally takes 3 weeks to get over the first phase of recovery. However, downtime for abdominoplasty can vary from patient to patient, depends on the size of the ...

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Luke J. Curtsinger, MD

 A rash near the incision after tummy tuck can often be related to some type of irritant like Neosporin or bacitracin ointment or tissue adhesives that are used during surgery. The linear area of redness is unusual. You might ask your plastic surgeon if any high definition liposuction was...

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Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS

Hello. Thanks for your question. Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. The nerve pain you describe will subside after a year post op. During this time of healing, your nerves are regrowing in the...

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