4 Inch X 2 Inch Bulge After Lipo - Will It Go Away? (photo)

Question

I had vaso liposuction of the abdomen. It has been 6 wks since surgery. There is a section about 3 inches below my bra strap that is bulged. It is very hard as if the muscle is balled up. It hurt in the beginning, but the pain is fading, the bulge is not. What could this be? The rest of the results are very positive.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture.

	The area of concern should be evaluated by your surgeon who can best determine by visual and manual examination  what the &ldquo;bulge&rdquo; consists of. Usually this type of contour elevation is residual adipose tissue, residual swelling (for example after hematoma), and/or scar tissue.

	I would suggest allowing for further healing to occur prior to making a final assessment of the results of your surgery. Continued to follow-up with your plastic surgeon as well.

	I hope this helps.

Jennifer Reichel, MD · Answer

KadenMarie,

	It is still very early after your procedure. If the bulge is tender, then it could be an area of localized swelling, or a collection of fluid called a seroma. It is also possible that this is an area of remaining fatty tissue. Time will tell. Hopefully you are going in for follow-ups with your doctor and can watch the area for improvement with his/her guidance. If it does turn out to be a small area of local fatty tissue, a touch-up procedure can be done, and it doesn't look like it would be too difficult from the photo you included. I think about 5% of patients need touch-ups - and that the final result can look beautiful - without a lot of further work. Hang in there - and I'm glad that most of the results are really positive. That is great.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

It is always best to check back with the doctor who did the procedure regarding concerns about the results.  If you are unsatisfied get a second opinion from another respected expert.

Donald M. Brown, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Since you are only six weeks after surgery this bulge could represent a number of different  things including a resolving hematoma(blood clot), seroma(a collection of clear serous fluid) or residual fat.  I would suggest waiting for six months to see if this resolves itself spontaneously. If the bulge turns out to be an area of remaining fat it would be fairly simple procedure to remove at that time.

Ernesto Hayn, MD · Answer

Kaden,

	
	It has only been 6 weeks post your liposuction procedure.  Continue to follow your surgeons instructions, wear your garments and allow for your body to heal.  This bulge might be swelling or just your body healing in a different manner at in varying locations.  I ask my patients to wait 6 months after liposuction to evaluate the final results.

4 Inch X 2 Inch Bulge After Lipo - Will It Go Away? (photo)

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4 Inch X 2 Inch Bulge After Lipo - Will It Go Away? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Bulge 6 weeks after surgery

Answer: Bulge 6 weeks after surgery

Answer: Lump after liposuction

Answer: Lump after liposuction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.