Abdominoplasty with umbilical float. Would I need this hard tissue surgically removed? (Photo)

Question

I am 7 mo post op. I also had 2 umbilical hernias repaired- no lipo. I am 38, F, 115 lbs, healthy, 5’4”. Loose skin from twin pregnancy. I had a hematoma which caused several seromas that needed to be drained post op. Now I can feel hard tissue (guessing scar tissue) where the seromas were. Would I need this surgically removed? Guessing this is why skin isn’t healing correctly. I’m also uncomf bloated post op. Help with bloating and excess skin/scar tissue!

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Are your submitted photos post-op?  You appear lean with loose skin above umbilicus. Your relaxed abdominal wall demonstrates convex projection rather than the flat, tighter appearance that abdominoplasty is designed to produce.  My opinion is that only secondary surgery very carefully designed and executed will resolve these issues.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It appears you have developed adhesions after surgery which is causing irregular contours of the skin, particularly above the umbilicus.  One option is to revise the tummy tuck, re-dissect the scar all the way up there and reposition the skin.  The other alternative would be a breast lift.  Unfortunately, I cannot assess your breasts as you have a bra on.  However, if you take off the bra and lift up your breasts, that may smooth the upper contour remarkably and you would be a candidate for this procedure.  The technique I recommend is 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.  This will pull up the upper abdominal skin and act like a reverse tummy tuck.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; it is not necessary to remove fibrosis; after every seroma. The resulting fibrosis; if it is visible from the outside or causes for irritation on the skin; it must be erased in a surgical way.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

An examination is needed to check the scar tissue of concern. Go back to your surgeon to discuss this. Bloating is not related to surgery, but may be more to diet.  Please ask your primary physician to do food allergy testing.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your post is not clear.
You state you had two umbilical hernia repairs and no liposuction. 
You do not state if you had a tummy tuck or not.
Are you asking if you should have one? 
You do not include before and after pictures.
It appears you have muscle separation from your previous pregnancies, and it looks like you still have skin laxity from the pregnancies as well.
If you had a plastic surgery procedure, then please spell out exactly what the procedure was and what was included.
If you had a tummy tuck was muscle tightening done in conjunction?
Where is the scar tissue issue?
I suggest you follow up with your plastic surgeon or schedule a few in person consultations with providers in your community.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Abdominoplasty with umbilical float. Would I need this hard tissue surgically removed? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Abdominal issues

Answer: Abdominal issues

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Abdominoplasty with umbilical float. Would I need this hard tissue surgically removed? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Abdominal issues

Answer: Abdominal issues

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.