Tummy tuck bulge above scar, what's going on? (photos)

The skin of the upper abdomen which is re-positioned in a tummy to his very often thicker than the skin that it is joining below. That is why the skin above is thicker and more prominent than the skin below. At the time of the tummy talk it is sometimes difficult to tell this and it may also be not a good idea to do liposuction at the same time as the skin is already being lifted up and moved and has its blood supply largely detached. As a secondary stage, liposuction is safe and will very often correct this problem without much downtime.

The area that concerns you could be fat. In that case some liposuction could be performed to improve the contour. Because the area is small you may be able to have it under local anesthesia. If there is lax skin your surgeon could revise it and improve the contour. If you are unhappy with your surgeon's recommendation you can consider visiting another board certified plastic surgeon for a second opinion.

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hello. Great question. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. However, a personal examination is needed to determine what your bulge is. Please schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed surgical plan to achieve your desired results.

Thank you for the question and photos. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you. This bump can be excess fat that may be pinch able or could be visceral. It is essential to identify that prior to any treatment plan. It is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

It is possible that the "bulge" you are unhappy with is excess skin and fat between your bellybutton and the scar.  This could definitely be improved with liposuction of the fat beneath the skin or excision of the extra skin in that area.  Both options are not nearly as involved as your original abdominoplasty with a much easier recovery.  I encourage you to discuss a revision with your surgeon!