Swelling & pain on right hip, something wrong post 8 year tummy tuck

Question

I had an extended tummy tuck in 2014 and it turned out awesome. About a year ago, I noticed something under my scar on the right hip. I could feel what felt like a loose plastic piece that I could move around. The piece I can feel and move around under the skin resembles a very small IUD type shape. Well the past 6 months there is swelling on my right hip, and sometimes is painful. I know something is not normal. What is this and can it be fixed without having a full tummy tuck again?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ssmrsd,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you have any issues, you should get an examination to be sure. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An evaluation is needed to determine what you may be feeling under your tummy tuck incision.  If it is a suture it can be removed by your surgeon.  I encourage you to begin by visiting with your surgeon for an examination.  It's unlikely a full revision would be necessary in order to address your concerns.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

The easiest way to find out what is a given mass is to do excision of the mass in local anesthesia; it can be a scar or an old non-resorbed stitch? Whether full or limited abdominoplasty is needed,  can be decided only on the basis of in-person evaluation. Hope this helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to go back to your surgeon and be examined. An ultrasound or even X-rays might be needed. Without photos or an exam to tell, you might have a little ball of fat necrosis that is moving around.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

What you describe sounds very atypical, and this may not be related to your surgery. I suggest following up with your plastic surgeon or visit your primary care doctor regarding getting a appropriat referrals.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Swelling & pain on right hip, something wrong post 8 year tummy tuck

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Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

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Answer: Long-term issues after tummy tuck

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Swelling & pain on right hip, something wrong post 8 year tummy tuck

Answers (5)

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Long-term issues after tummy tuck

Answer: Long-term issues after tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.