How can I get rid of a noticeable lump around my belly button area after Liposuction?

Question

It has been three Months after my lipo surgery, and i didnt have this before but now i have a lump right above my belly button. I hate it. How can i get rid of it? Should I go get more ultra sound massages? I have been trying to massage it myself but it won't go away now. I need help! Will it ever go away?

Jennifer Reichel, MD · Answer

For the lump above your belly-button - I would recommend that you have your surgeon evaluate it to determine what the cause is. If it is left over fatty tissue, this is one of the most common locations to need a small liposuction "touch-up". Another option would be to do a non-invasive fat removal device, such as Liposonix. I find that Liposonix can work very well if there is any uneven aspects after lipo. It is great when there is just an inch or so of fat. The fatty tissue around the belly button is more difficult to aspirate (remove) during abdominal lipo. I always have to work extra hard around this area to be sure that it will be flat after surgery. It is also possible that excess skin can hang above the belly button after lipo - and I agree there is the possibility of a hernia or seroma (collection of fluid) that is causing the lumpiness. Make sure to have your surgeon look at it. I doubt that you will have to live with this forever.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest having your physician evaluate the area to see if this is realted to the surgery or not.  If scar has developed there are treatments for this.  If the area is fat, there are other options.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Yuly Gorodisky, DO, FACOS · Answer

You should show the bump to your surgeon.  If the bump is where your incision was, you may have a hypertrophic scar, or if it is above the belly button, you may have residual fat, some excess swelling, or possibly a hernia which you didn't see before.  You doctor can help you evaluate this and see if anything can be done to improve it.

Jeffrey LaGrasso, MD · Answer

Without seeing a photograph it is hard to determine what the exact cause is but here are a few possible suggestions.#1.  Could be an umbilical hernia which was not visible because fat was around the area#2.  A lot of times not enough fat was removed around the umbilical area so it could be retained fat missed#3.  It could be a seroma or fluid collection#4.  It could be loose skin of the upper abdomen which is lying now over the top part of the belly button creating a "frown face" do to the skin folding over the stable belly buttonI would recommend to see your surgeon

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question! It is rather difficult to fully evaluate your situation without an in-person exam. That being said, small lumps and other contour irregularities are not uncommon after liposuction.  Shortly after surgery, you may see collections of blood (hematomas) or pockets of fat (fat necrosis). Typically, they will resolve in 2-3 weeks along with most bruising. Keep in mind that you may continue to see lumps as a result of swelling. It will take additional 2-3 months to completely subside.  
Although some physicians recommend massaging these lumpy areas, it's effectiveness is not entirely confirmed. I'd suggest that you give it time and let healing process complete naturally. If your swelling persists months after the procedure or you begin to experience increasing discomfort, you should notify your plastic surgeon. 
Remember that an in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your situation and guarantee an individualized medical advice. Best of luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without seeing you in person it is difficult to say what the lump is. It could represent fatty tissue, fat necrosis, or even a seroma. These are some possibilities.

How can I get rid of a noticeable lump around my belly button area after Liposuction?

Answers (6)

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