Upper abdominal bulge after Tummy Tuck, can it be fixed? (Photos)

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.

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

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 

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!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. I see your area of concern and this is likely one of two conditions - seroma or muscle laxity.  The correct diagnosis can be determined through an in-person examination with your surgeon.  In either case correction would require a revision tummy tuck to either remove the seroma and its surrounding scar tissue or to tighten the muscles.  Hope this helps.

Hello and thank you for your question. The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  This is likely a recurrence of your diastasis, but only an in-person examination can accurately determine this.  I recommend that you return to your surgeon and share your concerns.  I hope he/she is able to help you.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

This can occur for several reasons including residual fat (many surgeons do not do concomitant liposuction which can be a mistake if the upper abdomen has a lot of subcutaneous tissue); an untreated rectus diastasis or a failed rectus plication.  Finally, if a seroma does form, it can become chronic and "organized" or scarred, forming an unsightly bulge.  This is more common in the lower abdomen or areas of dependence.  Go back and see your surgeon.

 Your first step should be to touch base with your plastic surgeon and have a thorough exam. It is possible that the area of your upper abdomen either was not plicated or ruptured the plication postoperatively. Serama, hematoma or fat bulging may be other causes of this as well. good luck.

Sorry to hear that you are having this problem.  There are several possible causes of this problem.   First and most likely cause is that either your surgeon didn't plicate your abdominal muscles above your belly button, or the stitches either broke or pulled through your tissues.  There are other possibilities such as fluid or fat, but if it is only showing up when you flex, it is most likely a muscle issue.   Yes, all of these issues can be fixed, but will likely require surgery.   Good luck!

Without an examination it is difficult to tell the cause.  At 9 months post surgery it could be muscle laxity,  excess fat or a chronic seroma.  The commonest being the muscle laxity.  It may be able to be corrected with further surgery.  Best wishes