3 weeks post op Full Tummy Tuck, I have a slight hard bulge above belly button. Is this normal?

Question

I am exactly 3 weeks post full tummy tuck with muscle repair. One week postop, I picked up my laptop to walk to my car(regretting). Also I had coughs that same day. Now there is a small bulge and hard feeling above my belly button. Did I damage my muscle repair and strain my sutures? I have attached some pictures. I cant capture the bulge in pictures well. Also I am wondering once swelling goes down, will the skin above my belly button hang and not have a washboard abs appearance? Thanks.

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for you question and photos.  This could be residual swelling above the new belly button - this happens on occasion, and you are only 3 weeks after your surgery.  If the bulge appeared suddenly after bending over, and is not gradually improving with time, then there is a possibility that the muscle repair has been damaged.  You could possibly have hernia or recurrent diastasis.  The person to best assess this would be your surgeon.  Regardless of the cause, your surgeon would be able to guide you toward a solution.  Best wishes with your continued recovery.

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

It is hard to tell from the pictures. Being that far out of surgery, I recommend having it checked out by your surgeon.

3 weeks post op Full Tummy Tuck, I have a slight hard bulge above belly button. Is this normal?

Answers (2)