Abdominal Bulge - Is this a failed muscle repair or possibly a hernia formation? (Photos)
May 7, 2025
Asked By:Witty919277 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I had an extended tummy tuck with muscle repair, lipo (back and flanks), and BBL 7 months ago. I have been pretty flat after the surgery up until 2 months ago. I did start to gain weight (15lbs) and I just restarted my GLP1. I have not done any exercise since before surgery. About 2 months ago, I started noticing an abdominal bulge, particularly on the left upper abdomen. I feel mild pain as well. I did not have this pain before noticing the bulge. It is not reproducible with palpitation. I only really feel it when I lay on my abdomen at night or when I stretch. My whole upper abdomen feels and looks like it's bulging but you can see it more on the left. Is this a failed muscle or possibly a hernia formation?
6 photos
Answers (2)
From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
You appear to have some loose skin and some possible pockets of fat. A tummy tuck can tighten the loose skin and remove any stubborn fat, however you’ll need to determine whether the surgical risk and resulting scar are worth the predicted results.
Hello and thank you for your question. This is a little mysterious to have an issue so far out from surgery. our belly button does not currently look inflammed or infected based on your photo, which is a good sign. However, from my experience, one potential issue that comes to mind is some mild...
Good news! Tummy tuck will not affect or worsen abdominal adhesions. A diastasis recti repair simply closes the gap between your vertical ab muscles, known as the rectus abdominis. This repair is done carefully to include the outer layer of the fascia, which you can picture as a ‘casing’ aro...