I had a TT and look contour 9 months ago, since I have had a Seroma drained and dog ear correction, however my upper abdomen buldges over my belly button when tensed. It gets swollen and puffy after exercise, now I know there is a degree of fat there but it doesn't seem right. The pictures show me tensing the abs and you can see how much this is distended. Is this where the sutures are looser at the top than the bottom? Can it be fixed easily??
Answer: Upper abdomen fullness following abdominoplasty Thanks for your question and photos. There are no clear cut explanations for what we see in the photos. There are many possible explanations. My suggestion is to have a conversation with your plastic surgeon about this. Explain your displeasure, allow them to suggest a way to improve the situation. Please be prepared to request copies of your medical records for yourself. If the discussion is not to your satisfaction, consider a second opinion. In instances such as this, I always ask the patient to obtain copies of the operative summary. Having them can save lots of time. Best of luck and I hope that you get a satisfactory resolution of your issue.
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Answer: Upper abdomen fullness following abdominoplasty Thanks for your question and photos. There are no clear cut explanations for what we see in the photos. There are many possible explanations. My suggestion is to have a conversation with your plastic surgeon about this. Explain your displeasure, allow them to suggest a way to improve the situation. Please be prepared to request copies of your medical records for yourself. If the discussion is not to your satisfaction, consider a second opinion. In instances such as this, I always ask the patient to obtain copies of the operative summary. Having them can save lots of time. Best of luck and I hope that you get a satisfactory resolution of your issue.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
Answer: Tummy Tuck residual bulge HelloIt is unfortunate that you had a seroma. An upper abdominal bulge can occur due to a separation of the original fascia tightening or may be related to the abdominal contents being compressed with the upper abdomen being the area of least resistance. Perhaps in your situation both may be occurring. In these case I recommend using a mesh graft to help reinforce the upper abdomen support. Sincerely,Dr. K
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Answer: Tummy Tuck residual bulge HelloIt is unfortunate that you had a seroma. An upper abdominal bulge can occur due to a separation of the original fascia tightening or may be related to the abdominal contents being compressed with the upper abdomen being the area of least resistance. Perhaps in your situation both may be occurring. In these case I recommend using a mesh graft to help reinforce the upper abdomen support. Sincerely,Dr. K
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 19, 2017
Answer: Upper abdominal bulge after Tummy Tuck, can it be fixed? Thank you for your question and sharing your photos. Unfortunately, you will have to be examined in person to know exactly what the problem is. It is difficult to tell with just a couple pictures. I would recommend voicing your concern to your PS and possible having a second opinion on this. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago
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March 19, 2017
Answer: Upper abdominal bulge after Tummy Tuck, can it be fixed? Thank you for your question and sharing your photos. Unfortunately, you will have to be examined in person to know exactly what the problem is. It is difficult to tell with just a couple pictures. I would recommend voicing your concern to your PS and possible having a second opinion on this. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago
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March 19, 2017
Answer: Upper abdomen bulge You would need to be examined in person, with a copy of the operative note, to understand whether or not this is a seroma, muscle laxity, residual fat, etc. The solution to the bulge depends upon this exam, but there should be some way to address it. Discuss this further with your surgeon.Best of luck!
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March 19, 2017
Answer: Upper abdomen bulge You would need to be examined in person, with a copy of the operative note, to understand whether or not this is a seroma, muscle laxity, residual fat, etc. The solution to the bulge depends upon this exam, but there should be some way to address it. Discuss this further with your surgeon.Best of luck!
Helpful
March 19, 2017
Answer: Upper abdominal bulge after Tummy Tuck, can it be fixed? I am sorry to hear about the problems you have experienced. Although there are many all there may be many causes of abdominal wall "distention" (such as chronic seroma and/or residual adipose tissue), given your description and photographs, I think it is very likely that abdominal wall laxity of the upper abdominal wall area is the "culprit". Your plastic surgeon will be able to confirm based on physical examination. If relative abdominal wall laxity is present in that area, it can be "fixed"; correction would involve re opening of the abdominal wall incision line and exposure of the abdominal wall musculature again. The abdominal wall muscles can then be brought closer to one another in the midline. Unfortunately, the operation is still extensive and is associated with a considerable recovery (tends to be less uncomfortable than the initial tummy tuck operation). Again, your plastic surgeon will be a better resource when it comes to accurate diagnosis and formulation of a treatment plan. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.
Helpful
March 19, 2017
Answer: Upper abdominal bulge after Tummy Tuck, can it be fixed? I am sorry to hear about the problems you have experienced. Although there are many all there may be many causes of abdominal wall "distention" (such as chronic seroma and/or residual adipose tissue), given your description and photographs, I think it is very likely that abdominal wall laxity of the upper abdominal wall area is the "culprit". Your plastic surgeon will be able to confirm based on physical examination. If relative abdominal wall laxity is present in that area, it can be "fixed"; correction would involve re opening of the abdominal wall incision line and exposure of the abdominal wall musculature again. The abdominal wall muscles can then be brought closer to one another in the midline. Unfortunately, the operation is still extensive and is associated with a considerable recovery (tends to be less uncomfortable than the initial tummy tuck operation). Again, your plastic surgeon will be a better resource when it comes to accurate diagnosis and formulation of a treatment plan. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.
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