Indentation at sternum and bulge below. Did my muscle repair with mesh fail? Do I need a revision? (Photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck with mesh to repair my large diastasis recti. I have noticed that my upper abdomen bulges out a bit more than the rest. It is firm when I touch it as is my whole midline to my abdomen, but I can feel a hard bulge. Is this scar tissue or inflammation still? Above the bulge by my sternum is an indentation that I can push my finger into, is this diastasis that should have been sewn and is still open? How far up do surgeons sew? Do I need a revision?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It is possible that the repair with mesh did not go high enough and now the weakest point is above the mesh repair.  You will need a revision.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear denvermom37,
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

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

During muscle repair as part of a full tummy tuck is done it brings the two rectus muscles closer and sometimes they end up overlapping. The same facia that’s pulled towards the midline from both sides from your pubic bone to your sternum causes the central abdomen to become tight and flat. That same facia that’s pulled to the midline it’s also attached along your entire rib cage. As the surgeon continues to pull the muscles together and gets closer and closer to the rib cage a fold can be created. Unless the muscle is separated after rib cage which is not done and in advisable.

It’s very difficult to tell what the ideology of this is or how it can be improved.

By far your best source is the surgeon who did the procedure since he or she was there and knows exactly how the surgery was done.

If your surgeon is unable to give you a proper explanation then consider having a few in person second opinion consultations.

Whenever showing pictures of the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure patients should always include before and after pictures.

Knowing what someone look like before the procedure can have a major impact on how we assess outcomes.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Indentation at sternum and bulge below. Did my muscle repair with mesh fail? Do I need a revision? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Indentation at sternum and bulge below. Did my muscle repair with mesh fail? Do I need a revision? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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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.