What is this bump above my belly button? (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 16 weeks ago with muscle repair and no lipo or drains. I have a tightness and what feels like a ball under my skin above belly button. Very sensitive and numb. It gets tighter and more rounded as day progresses. What is it and is it normal? My surgeon is not concerned. Please advise. Thank you

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and photos. This is difficult to diagnose without a #facetoface #evaluation.I recommend seeking a #secondopinion consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. This may be a pocket of fluid which builds up the more you are up and around. This type of fluid usually resolves itself. It could be residual fat which can be taken care of with #liposuction. I suggest you discuss your concerns with your PS and possibly seek the counsel of another. Best wishes to you!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and series of photographs and I am sorry that your results have not been what you anticipated.  It is difficult without an in-person examination to determine what may be taking place.  Most commonly this is residual swelling from surgery which will spontaneously resolve but it would be important to voice your concerns to your surgeon to ensure that other issues are not taking place - discrete fluid collection, muscle laxity, or residual adipose tissue.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

It is most likely a focus of swelling, or potentially a small seroma which is a fluid collection.  It also could be an area where the muscle is not as tight as in the lower abdomen, or a small area where the fat has died off and calcified or hardened, and even less likely, a hernia.  Bottom line is, there is no way for us to tell on here without and in-person examination.  I would talk again with your surgeon to see what exactly he or she thinks it is to help you better understand it.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Hard to answer without an in person exam since it may simply be swelling or it may indicate a bulge due to muscle interruption. Best to follow up with your surgeon again and have him or her address your concerns. Good luck!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your pictures and your question. Generally it is not uncommon to have swelling and numbness at your stage of recovery. However, it would be best to rule out a possible hernia or other complications. Be sure to follow up with a board certified plastic surgeon.Best regards

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Impossivle to even guess over the internet! Best to seek in person second opinions!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Erik Hoy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question-- there can be several reasons for this, and an in-person exam would be needed to provide a more definite answer.  One possibility would be a fluid collection has developed in that area.  Another possibility is that this is related to the muscle plication and that you have a bulge in or between the plication suture line.  Lastly, this might be an area of excess fat that could be addressed with liposuction.  Discuss this with your surgeon in more detail.  Hope this helps!--Erik Hoy, M.D.

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

The "bump" above your umbilicus (belly button) may be related to excess fat or a ventral wall weakness. Excess fat can be resolved with a little liposuction. Consult your plastic surgeon.

What is this bump above my belly button? (photos)

Answers (8)

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