Will appendectomy ruin Tummy Tuck results? (photos)

Question

I underwent laparoscopic appendectomy two weeks ago. I had my TT done 4 years ago and ever since then my stomach was flat as a board. The surgeon moved my belly button downward and reconstructed it. However immediately after surgery I felt a hard mass right above my belly button. It looks like a bulge or a bump but rock hard to the touch. The doctor who removed my appendix said he had to aggressively manipulate the area in order to get in. Could this ruin the TT? Would compression binders help?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear PSjourney,
it is unlikely that incisions made for laparoscopic appendectomy will have major negative effect on your tummy tuck results. You should always follow your surgeon's instructions. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Sumer Daiza, MD, FACS · Answer

The laparoscopic appendectomy should not affect the long term result of your tummy tuck. The hard mass is likely scar tissue from the port used to enter the tummy for the laparoscopic approach.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that the small incisions used for laparoscopy will affect the tightness of your stomach from a tummy tuck done four years ago. Compression may be of benefit to reduce the swelling. It would be reasonable to have your stomach checked by your plastic surgeon when the swelling has improved.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

It is still early in your post op. Eve thing you are experiencing is normal. It should all go back to the day it was before soon. Just give your tissue some time to heal. A faja or post op garment might help. The appendectomy should not affect your tt results.

No need to worry!
Dr. Miguel Mota

No need to worry!
Dr. Miguel Mota

Azita Madjidi, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Only two weeks after appendectomy , you still have a lot of swelling at the port sites. Time will make the swelling go down. In the long run, it should have no impact on your tummy tick result.

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

Hi there,
Two weeks out from surgery there is definitely swelling in the areas which are causing things to look and feel this way. Yes to compression garments +/- foam or belly board for the area. Important thing to know however is that it will take a few weeks for the swelling to subside, and this is different for everyone. However, I doubt very much that your result will be ruined, you are just swollen and healing now.
All the best

Mohammed Asif, MD · Answer

Hi,
Sorry you are experiencing this. I would suggest keeping a compressive dressing on this area. Any fluid drainage? Likely post surgery swelling which should improve over time. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

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!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The appendectomy should not change your tummy tuck once the swelling has subsided.  Compression could be helpful.

Will appendectomy ruin Tummy Tuck results? (photos)

Answers (13)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Tummy tuck 2018 - for 6 mths have pain when bending forward (right side of bellybutton) like a sharp cyst pain no lump detected

Mini or Full? Save my tattoo! (photos)

Tummy tuck after hernia repair. Will the fact that I have mesh disqualify me from having a tummy tuck?

Fleur de Lis or regular Tummy Tuck? Love to end up with a flat and especially thin waist. (photos)

Will removing pseudobursa cause complications in healing? (photo)

Blood transfusion really necessary?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS