Lump after gastric bypass surgery - will it affect tummy tuck results? (photo)

The lump in question is probably an incision hernia. This can be repaired during the tummy tuck procedure.

For optimal outcome, please consult a fully qualified plastic surgeon, who has specialist qualification in plastic surgery 'FRCS Plast' after having being trained adequately in the field of plastic surgery, is registered on the 'Specialist register for Plastic surgery' with the General Medical Council and has been considered competent enough to be a member of the 'BAPRAS' (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and 'BAAPS' (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) at the least.

Hi, Seems like you have developed a small hernia at the keyhole surgery incision. This should not prevent you getting a tummy tuck at all. An ultrasound scan test is needed to check it. Hernias can be easily repaired during the tummy tuck surgery but may need a small mesh.

At the time of the tummy tuck, this area will be explored. However, you can have an ultrasound done prior to surgery if you want to find out what the lump is. It may represent a hematoma, seroma or possible hernia from previous surgery. This can be resolved at the time of tummy tuck.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear Michelle125,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You will need to find out the nature of the lump on your abdomen. If it is a hernia it may be able to be repaired at the same time as your tummy tuck. See a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation and evaluation. Further testing may be necessary to determine the cause of the lump.

This lump could be the infiltration port if you have a gastric band. This would either need to be sealed off and the port removed (if you no longer need it) or it could be something else such as incisional hernia. Either way, you need to know what that lump is before undergoing any surgery - your bariatric surgeon should be able to help with that

Hi Michelle125,
Did you have a gastric bypass or a gastric band? If its a gastric band then it could be the port used to inflate the band - its in an unusual position and could affect your tummy tuck. I have done these along with by weight loss Bariatric surgical colleagues.
If it was a gastric bypass then the lump could be a hernia. It would be ok to repair, but again i tend to do these alongside my general surgical colleagues, who fix the hernia whilst i do the tummy tuck.
It would be easy to tell these apart for a surgeon if he could examine you.
Good luck