Will appendectomy ruin Tummy Tuck results? (photos)

Thank you for the question. Usually the belly button gets used as a port of access for laparoscopic surgery, so there are likely stitches in the belly button at the moment. As these dissolve and you heal, the lump should get smaller.

Thank you for your question.
The laparoscopic appendectomy should not have ruined your tummy tuck results. Reach out to your surgeon to address your concerns and take a look at the area. Best wishes!

Hello PSjourney in the Dominican Republic. Thank you for your question regarding potential complications after a laparoscopic appendectomy on your previously performed tummy tuck.

It is quite common to experience certain changes and sensations following an appendectomy, especially when considering your history of a tummy tuck. During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the abdomen is inflated with air to provide better visibility and space for the surgeon to work. This can cause temporary swelling and changes in how your abdominal area feels and looks.

The hard mass you described near your belly button is likely related to the surgical approach and healing processes post-appendectomy. It's important to understand that such procedures can sometimes require manipulation of the nearby tissues, which might affect the areas that were altered during your tummy tuck. However, this does not necessarily mean that your tummy tuck results are "ruined."

In terms of the hardness and the bulge:

Normal Healing Response: Initially, what you're experiencing might be part of the normal healing process. Tenderness and hardness can be due to inflammation and the normal healing response of the body to surgery.
Surgical Impact: The need to enlarge the incision around the belly button or aggressive manipulation during appendectomy can temporarily affect the tissue integrity but generally does not permanently alter tummy tuck results.
Regarding your concern about the potential long-term impact on your tummy tuck:

Compression Garments: These can indeed help in managing swelling and supporting the abdominal tissues as they heal. If you find relief from wearing them, it is beneficial to continue their use under the guidance of your surgeon.
Follow-Up Care: Continuous follow-up with your surgeon is crucial. If the hardness or bulge persists or if pain continues beyond the typical recovery period, further diagnostic tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI might be necessary to rule out complications such as hernia, seroma, or hematoma.
Ultimately, while the appendectomy involves manipulation of tissues that might temporarily affect the appearance of your abdomen, it generally should not permanently ruin the results of a well-healed tummy tuck. Discussing your concerns with your plastic surgeon and general surgeon will provide more personalized advice and reassurance.

I hope this answer helps clarify your concerns regarding the interaction between your recent appendectomy and the previous tummy tuck. Good luck, and I wish you a smooth recovery.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon