Why do I have a bulge after a tummy tuck fleur de lis? (Photo)

Question

I had tummy tuck performed September of last year. Since the beginning I've had a bulge on the top part of the stomach. It gets slightly larger when I drink or eat big amounts. I am a young and fit person, and have lost 60 kg by exercise and change of diet naturally. I have asked my doctor and he says its because of my anatomy and that the bulge starts where the rib cage is and that muscles are naturally placed there. I don't know if this is correct or if he wants to avoid doing a revision.

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks much for reaching out. It seems from the photos that that bulge is indeed up by your rib cage. It may be some fatty deposition right over the ribs which can be liposuctioned for a better contour. Hard to say for sure without examining you in person. It looks like you have a terrific result, however you can always seek out another opinion by another board-certified plastic surgeon. I hope this helps ;)

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

It would be difficult to give an accurate advise with only photos as basis. The bulge may be residual fat, a loose muscle or just really a part of your natural anatomy. It would be best to schedule an appointment with your surgeon or another board certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination and a detailed discussion of your options.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Thanks for the questions and photos.You have several things going on.  I would have to see you to answer your question intelligently.  The bulge could be from loose muscles, residual fat, normal curved anatomy.Go for a second opinion.Dr T

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo's.   Usually that small bulge is a fatty area that was there prior and isn't something that can be removed that high up on the torso.   For others it's smaller and usually what we call a "dog ear" which is excess skin above the end of the scar.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photos, there appears to be a slight bulge extending from the bottom of your rib cage to the umbilicus, noted on lateral view. This does not appear to represent a diastasis but  perhaps a relative laxity compared to the lower abdomen. 10-15% of cosmetic surgeries may require revision. Others may accept the status quo.
Best wishes...

Why do I have a bulge after a tummy tuck fleur de lis? (Photo)

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Answer: Bulge after tummy tuck

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Answer: Epigastric bulge after fleur de lis abdominoplasty

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Why do I have a bulge after a tummy tuck fleur de lis? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Bulge after tummy tuck

Answer: Bulge after tummy tuck

Answer: Epigastric bulge after fleur de lis abdominoplasty

Answer: Epigastric bulge after fleur de lis abdominoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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