Bulge/muffin top after a tummy tuck, will this go away? (Photos)

Question

Hi I am 8 weeks post op from full tummy tuck. After 2 weeks I got quite a big seroma and had to wear additional compression. I have now got a bulge above my belly button look a bit like a muffin top. When I lay flat or on my side it’s completely flat but when I sit down or stand it protrudes. My surgeon says it will go in time but I am not convinced. I wanted a second opinion please.

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

I appreciate your concerns, but it is still early days for you. It will take a few months for the swelling to settle before you see the end results. It also depends on whether you have had liposuction at the same time as a Lipo abdominoplasty contours the abdomen much better. An abdominoplasty on its own redistributes the abdominal tissue after removing the excess tissue in the lower half below the belly button, but has limitations of contouring it any further.

For optimal outcome, please consult a fully qualified plastic surgeon, who has specialist qualification in plastic surgery 'FRCS Plast' after having being trained adequately in the field of plastic surgery, is registered on the 'Specialist register for Plastic surgery' with the General Medical Council and has been considered competent enough to be a member of the 'BAPRAS' (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and 'BAAPS' (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) at the least.

Brian Biggerstaff, MD · Answer

Hello HBP, seromas are common after abdominoplasty, and so is swelling of the abdominal flap. The swelling can take several months to fully resolve. You should continue to have good/frequent communication with your surgeon, make sure the seroma is either resolved or continue being addressed, and I would give it at least another month or two for swelling to continue to decrease before you start losing too much sleep. If at that point you want to see another surgeon for a second opinion than I would recommend finding a board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate. Hope this is helpful.

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

After liposuction of the flanks as part of the tummy tuck, there is residual swelling that takes 3-6 months to resolve. If after 6 months you still have fullness, then would be the time to discuss this with with your surgeon. Occasionally a touch up needs to be performed to address the issue, but most people do just fine after healing is complete.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear HBP,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a tummy tuck surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
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

Your photos are upside down, however, you still may have swelling, or perhaps the upper muscles were not tightened. I would rely on what your surgeon says now.

Bulge/muffin top after a tummy tuck, will this go away? (Photos)

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Bulge/muffin top after a tummy tuck, will this go away? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

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.