Lump above belly button, bumpy, scar uneven - do I need revision? (Photos)

Hello CarolineCaz in Great Britain. Thank you for your question regarding your concerns post-tummy tuck, and I appreciate the pictures and history you’ve shared.

Overall, I believe you have an excellent result from your tummy tuck. The excess skin and fat have been removed, and your abdomen appears almost flat. The small lump above your belly button is likely due to scar tissue around the permanent sutures used during your hernia repair. This is a common occurrence and does not typically require revision unless it becomes painful or grows significantly.

Regarding the unevenness of your scar line, correcting scar asymmetry surgically can be very challenging. Instead, I recommend treatments like FRAXEL laser, which can help reduce the appearance of scarring and create a smoother look. With time, scars generally improve in appearance, especially with proper aftercare.

If the lumps or bumps on your abdomen bother you, you might consider VASER liposuction to refine the contour. However, keep in mind that the level of flatness achievable by a tummy tuck has limitations, particularly when addressing underlying issues like hernias or muscle repair.

It’s also important to set realistic expectations for what revision surgery or non-surgical treatments can achieve. If you remain dissatisfied, you may benefit from seeking a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon to assess your specific concerns in detail.

Good luck, and I hope this information has helped answer your questions regarding your tummy tuck results.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Because you have a number of concerns, perhaps you should get a second opinion from another plastic surgeon. From the photographs, it seems your muscle can be tighter. The uneven scar may be acceptable after a year or 2 when the dark redness will probably improve. Without a good exam, it is difficult to give you any ideas or advice regarding the fullness above your bellybutton.

Dear carolinecaz,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It's difficult to evaluate your situation professionally online because of the limited information available. What was your pre-surgical appearance and situation? How exactly was your operation done? At six months post-op, you're still swollen to some degree and tissue compliance diminished. Overall, your abdominal aesthetic unit looks nice with low (albeit asymmetric) scar. Return again to your surgeon for follow up and a written list of your questions to address.

its difficullt to see what you are asking about from the photos you have sent and also comparing to pre surg photos. you appear to have a smooth convex curve and for some people this is the natural outcome from tt surgery whilst others can get more of a washboard appearance. it porbably relates to the natural tone and shape of muscles. it is impossible to routinely achieve a washboard tummy and the principle goal of tt is to get rid of overhang and this this has been achieved.

Hello; in order to make an evaluation about your current condition; before the surgery, must be seen. If you have weakness in your abdominal muscles; even if the application is performed on the abdominal muscles; it won't be straight. Again, if there are intestinal problems; that cause for abdominal bloating; pushing the weak muscles forward; a swollen image can be created. If there is some visceral fat; it may also cause; this type of image formation. If the muscle application has been realized; with Tummy Tuck revision; I don't think; there will be any changes that can be done. Only for the irregularity and asymmetry in the lower abdominal stitches; can be fixed.

I'm sorry you are unhappy with your tummy tuck results. If you are not getting your questions addressed by your surgeon you may want to seek a second opinion. Be sure to take preoperative photos with you to the appointment. After an evaluation it can be determined the best way to address your concerns.

Dear carolinecaz,
The one disadvantage that we are at is not having your pre-operative photos. A bump above the umbilicus 6 months after an umbilical hernia repair is certainly not unusual. An uneven scar after tummy tuck is also not an unusual occurrence, especially when there is such significant hip and pelvis asymmetry (scoliosis?), as you have. Tummy tuck revisions to better symmetrize scars can be done in the absence of those conditions. Good luck!

To make an assessment regarding the outcome of any plastic surgery procedure, we always need to see a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
Without having access to your before pictures, we can’t see the difference, which tell us what the surgery outcome is.
Not everybody is a candidate to get a flat abdomen from a tummy tuck.
The appearance of the abdomen is generally determined by four tissue variables.
These are abdominal skin laxity typically due to previous pregnancy, excess Subcutaneous fat, muscle separation from previous pregnancy and excess visceral or intra-abdominal fat.
The number one reason for patients having a bulging abdomen after a full tummy tuck with muscle tightening is due to excess visceral fat.
This can usually be seen on preoperative pictures and should be detected during an in person consultation when getting an assessment.
It is unlikely that failure of muscle tightening is the reason your abdomen is bulging.
Unless muscle tightening wasn’t done, visceral fat is most likely the culprit in this can only be reduced through weight loss.
Whether you consider yourself overweight or not this is most likely the culprit.
We can’t really make a quality assessment based on a few pictures, especially if you don’t include proper before and after pictures.
If you don’t have before and after pictures then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
Follow up with your provider and see what he or she has to say.
I also suggest getting a few in person second opinion consultations with other plastic surgeons in your community.
I don’t see a clear indication for having revision surgery.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD