I'm getting this weird bulge in my lower left side of my abdomen when I'm standing. Could this possible be a hernia? (photo)

Question

I had a c-section three years ago and this wasn't happening before but is now three years later, could this be from weak abdominal muscles or a possible hernia? I also have diastasis recti.

Josh Olson, MD · Answer

It's impossible to tell from the photo unfortunately. That would not be a common place for a hernia to develop but an exam would give a lot more information. Diastasis recti would usually give a midline abdominal bulge. Thanks for the question.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You have the typical appearance after pregnancy and
c-section.The abdominal wall is
weakened from stretching and surgery.The support layer to the abdominal wall is not muscle but is fascia,
which encloses the muscle.I recommend
Abdominoplasty with Mesh Reinforcement.The mesh increases the mechanical strength of the abdominal wall
resulting in a more hourglass figure, early satiety, weight loss and maintains
the reduced weight.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Michelle J. Place, MD · Answer

Thank you for including the photos.   Hernias are best diagnosed by exam and it is possible that you have a hernia from the c-section, diastasis or a combination of the two.  I would recommend a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon or a general surgeon so that you can explore your options.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It could be due to either of those things, and it may be worth looking into getting the diastasis as well as this remedied.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Gabby,Diagnosing a hernia is extremely important! This can really only be done by physical exam and is something you should get examined sooner rather than later. When I did general surgery early on in my training, I can't tell you how many people would wait till the bowel became strangulated in their hernia before they came in and by then it was a much bigger operation sometimes with a colostomy formation.However, given the brief history you provided and the photos, its probably rectus diasthasis which is spreading of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy and C-section.  I repair such a condition with a standard tummy-tuck operation.  Wait till you are done having kids first though.Dr. Daniel BarrettBeverly Hills, CA

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

It could be a hernia but it is impossible to tell without a direct exam. It could also be a fluid collection beneath the skin but that would be strange years out from a c section. If you have had recent trauma it could be from that. Go see a general surgeon in my opinion first to make sure it is not a hernia. You could see a plastic surgeon. Most do not do hernia alone repairs. I do them when I am doing a tummy tuck if a patient has a small hernia as I am also general surgery trained but not everyone is.

Zach Barnes, MD · Answer

It's impossible to tell the nature of the bulge from this limited history and photos. It could be perfectly normal in the setting of what you described, however, given that it is apparently new to you without any recent memorable event...I would say you should visit your family doctor/pcp, or the obgyn who did the surgery and get it all sorted out first.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

The best way to definitively work up your bulge would be with a cath scan of your abdomen after a full physical exam.  Based on the photos alone it could be one of many thingsDr Corbin

I'm getting this weird bulge in my lower left side of my abdomen when I'm standing. Could this possible be a hernia? (photo)

Answers (8)

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