Could I Have Popped a Stitch? (photo)

Thanks so much for sharing your concerns. There are several possible causes to your bulge and the only way to tell is by having an examination. Talk to your plastic surgeon about this as soon as you can. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo.

Hi - your photos are very helpful. If this bulge appeared where it had been flat before, there are 2 real possibilities to consider at this point: 1) fluid collection or 2) one of the stitches in your rectus diastasis repair has come out or loosened. I would recommend seeing your original plastic surgeon to be examined. A seroma can easily be aspirated, but if your diastasis sutures came loose, this will need to be repaired operatively again. 

Based on your description and photo, it is a distinct possiblity that you have in fact ruptured the suture repair of the muscle plication.  I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your surgeon to be re-examined. A CT scan may help to answer the question definitively.  It can be repaired through your old incision. Best wishes.

Best to be examined by your surgeon in a timely manner. Very hard over the internet to diagnose your issue. 

There are a number of possible explanations for the appearance in this photo, and the correct one will not be determined online, but will require an examination by your surgeon. 

Incomplete list includes:


Breakdown of the muscle repair is a possibility (as in popped a stitch)

Hernia

Seroma or hematoma

Fat necrosis

residual fat not removed. 


Do make an appointment to see your surgeon for diagnosis and treatment plan. All the best. 

Without an examination, this question cannot be answered.  Contact your Plastic Surgeon as soon as possible for a follow up visit.  There are several possible causes for the bulge which he will need to address.  Good luck!