Tummy tuck w/ diastasis repair & hernia repair. 14 months later my stomach suddenly seems to bulge-tight & pulling (Photo)

Question

Hello, I had a tummy tuck with diastasis repair and umbilical hernia repair 14 months ago. Everything was great and no issues up until 5 weeks ago when I started feeling tightness out fo no where and a pulling feeling from around my belly button down. I’ve had every scan and mri known to man and they couldn’t find anything. To me, it looks like it’s protruding more in my lower stomach too. Any idea if it’s failure or what this tight/fullness could be?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ana090909,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need an examination to be certain, but may have had some sutures pull loose if you have not had weight gain.  I would also go back to your surgeon and compare post operative photos.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make an assessment on the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure we need to see proper before and after pictures. If you don’t have before and after pictures then ask your surgeon to forward the ones they took.
We need to see standard pictures. basically the same way plastic surgeons take before and after pictures. These should show the torso from the neck to the knees wearing undergarments standing in a straight natural position showing your front, side and backside.
The pictures don’t look like you’re standing up straight and are far too limited to make an assessment. In particular if there is a change then we need to see what you look like earlier. I suggest you follow up with your plastic surgeon and have him or her assess your abdomen and address your concerns.
If that’s not available then schedule an in person consultation with other local boards are defied plastic surgeons. For second opinion consultations patients should come prepared with a copy of their operative report and all available before and after pictures.
For people who have concerns of bulging abdomen‘s after a tummy tuck the first thing to do is to get on the scale and confirm you’ve not gained weight since the time of the surgery.
If you have and that is the first easiest and best explanation for why the abdomen is bulging.
Weight gain often causes increased bulging in the upper abdomen due to excess visceral fat but it can vary from person to person.Some of the muscle tightening will stretch out a little bit overtime as well but this is usually pretty gradual.
Without weight fluctuations most patients keep the results for a lifetime.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Tummy tuck w/ diastasis repair & hernia repair. 14 months later my stomach suddenly seems to bulge-tight & pulling (Photo)

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Tummy tuck w/ diastasis repair & hernia repair. 14 months later my stomach suddenly seems to bulge-tight & pulling (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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