What is This Lump Above my Belly Button?

Question

I have had a tummy tuck, had my tubes removed thru the belly button then had two hernias repaired above the belly button. I now have a lump directly above my belly button which hurts somewhat when I push it in. I tried to take a picture of it but it doesnt show up in the pictures.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Without photos - it's impossible to give the best answer. A lump above the belly button which you can push in- may be a hernia. I suggest you consult with Operating Surgeon re/it

Michelle Spring, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  As you can see by the other answers, this is something that could be of concern.  Please see your surgeon for an evaluation.  Good luck!Sincerely, Dr. Michelle Spring

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Me In Vegas,
Thank you for your questions regarding a lump above your bellybutton after your abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. Unfortunately, this sounds most likely to be a recurrent hernia. It could be scar tissue or sutures involved with the abdominoplasty or hernia repair. However, this needs to be more thoroughly worked up. I would suggest you either have an ultrasound or MRI of this region to further evaluate what this lump exactly is. Please consult with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon for further workup. If this is indeed a hernia, I would suggest insertion of mesh for ideally a permanent solution. If you have any more questions regarding the tummy tuck, or umbilical or belly button hernia repair, please contact my office. Thank you!
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The presence of a significant abdominal bulge several months
following abdominoplasty surgery should be aggressively investigated.Especially if the bulge wasn’t present in the
immediate post-operative period.This
type of bulge could occur for a variety of reasons including, swelling,
recurrent hernias, seroma formation, encapsulated hematomas, residual muscle
weakness, recurrent separation of the muscles, excess subcutaneous fat, and
possible fat necrosis.Under
these circumstances, it’s appropriate to obtain ultrasound and possibly MRI
studies.Depending upon the results revisional
surgery may be indicated.For
these reasons, it’s important to consult your plastic surgeon.Your surgeon should be able to formulate an
appropriate treatment plan.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Me,

	It is hard to make a diagnosis without a physical examination.

	Therefore, I recommend that you seek consultation with your surgeon.

	Nonetheless, the pain that you described upon pressing on the bulged area could be indicative of another hernia.

	Best of luck to you.

	Dr. Sajjadian

What is This Lump Above my Belly Button?

Answers (9)