What would cause a bulge above belly button after full tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 1 year ago with umbilical hernia repair. Ever since 1 month I noticed a bulge above my belly button. I was told this was swelling.... then fluid. I waited no change. 6 months later I asked my doctor again and he said get on a diet and it's fat behind my abs. I sadly don't quite believe that.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You may have some fascial laxity in this area that can cause a bulge.  Revision of the rectus fascial plication can correct this but it would be a trip back to the OR.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and series of photographs and I am sorry that your results have not been what you anticipated.  It is difficult without an in-person examination to determine what may be taking place.  This could be due to a discrete fluid collection, muscle laxity, residual adipose tissue, or perhaps a hernia recurrence.  I would advise seeing your surgeon in follow up, they can recommend additional diagnostic testing as necessary to be able to appropriate diagnose and treat your bulge.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

I would suggest getting an ultrasound of that area - to determine whether it is subcutaneous fat, loosening of your plication, recurrent fascial laxity or another cause.  Once the diagnosis is clear, then the underlying cause can be addressed.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It may be because of fat, fluid, muscle laxity or hernia recurrence. Getting ultra sound will help to exclude some causes. Please talk to your PS

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Now best to obtain a soft tissue scan of the upper abdomen to see if seroma cavity, residual fat, ventral diastasis disruption. Than you can determine if re operation, liposuction or external therapies could improve area.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

All of these may be a cause, or even more than one. Without an in-person exam it impossible to say.I think it is unlikely intra-abdominal fat unless your plication is loose in that area. Perhaps a second opinion from an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon would be useful.

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