Is this bulge normal? I was told it by my surgeon it was visceral fat (Photo)

Hello
It has been more than a year since the tummy tuck. If visceral fat was present and proper muscle plication was done during the surgery, shortness of breath could occur post-op. If this didn't happen, it could mean that muscle plication was not performed, was done loosely, or the sutures used for muscle plication may have torn the muscle, causing this type of appearance. In such cases, this type of swelling can be seen in the upper abdomen.

Thanks for your question! It would be really helpful to see pre-op photos. That is the best way to determine what we are looking at now. I might also suggest getting a second opinion in-person. Good luck!

Thank you for your question regarding the bulge you've noticed after your mommy makeover. Given your history and the photos you've provided, it’s important to consider a few possibilities.

First, it's crucial to confirm with your plastic surgeon whether they performed rectus muscle repair during your surgery. Muscle repair involves suturing the rectus abdominis muscles, running from the bottom of the sternum to the top of the pubic bone. This is typically done with permanent sutures in two layers to strengthen the abdominal wall. The sharp pain you experienced, followed by the appearance of the bulge, raises the possibility that some of these sutures may have been disrupted. If the muscle repair was compromised, it could explain the bulge you are seeing.

Alternatively, as your surgeon mentioned, the bulge could indeed be due to visceral fat, which is fat located behind the muscle, pushing the rectus muscles outward. This type of fat can create a protruding appearance in the abdomen, even after surgery.

To get a definitive answer, I recommend undergoing further evaluation, such as an MRI of the abdomen. This imaging can help determine whether the muscle sutures have been disrupted or if visceral fat is causing the bulge. If the issue is related to visceral fat, weight management could be part of the solution. In some cases, weight loss medications like tirzepatide or Zepbound might be recommended to help achieve your desired results.

It’s essential to follow your instincts and seek the necessary tests to clarify the cause of the bulge. I hope this helps address your concerns and guides you in the next steps.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen