What is this post-tummy tuck bulge?

As previiously stated this could be the result of numerous conditions:
Seroma, pseudo bursa
Hernia/muscle weakness
Disruption of muscle repair or no muscle repair
previous scars on that side (appendectomy)
localized fat
Resolving hematoma
Skin redundancy
Separation of the SFS repair
Underlying mass (fibroid)
etc
However, this is nearly impossible for you to discern and it may even require a CT scan. As you can see it may not even be related to the surgery and you may bnenefit from consulting with your OB-Gyne or a general surgeon.
I hope this helps!

Dear tonijaiwill,

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the bulge below your belly button following your tummy tuck procedure 6 months ago. It's perfectly normal to seek clarity and solutions for any post-operative changes you observe.

The bulge you've noticed could stem from a few possibilities: residual laxity in the lower abdominal muscles, localized fat accumulation, or a less common cause at this stage, such as fluid build-up (seroma). Typically, fluid accumulation becomes less likely as you move further from your surgery date.

To accurately diagnose and address this bulge, I recommend a thorough evaluation by your original plastic surgeon, if accessible. If revisiting your initial surgeon is not feasible, consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. They can assess your lower abdomen and explore suitable corrective measures.

In addition to addressing the specific issue of the bulge, you might also consider VASER Hi-Def Liposuction as a subsequent step to refine and enhance your results further. VASER Hi-Def Liposuction can meticulously sculpt the surrounding areas, emphasizing an hourglass figure and providing more pronounced, natural-looking contours. This technique is particularly effective in defining the abdominal region and may complement your tummy tuck by tightening and toning the appearance of your lower abdomen.

It's crucial to have an open discussion with your surgeon about your goals and concerns. While every patient's journey is unique, sometimes, a combination of procedures offers the best path to achieving your desired aesthetic outcome.

I hope this information guides you towards a satisfactory resolution and helps you on your journey to achieving the contoured, hourglass figure you desire.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

The presence
of a significant abdominal bulge several months following abdominoplasty
surgery should be investigated. Especially if the bulge wasn’t present in the immediate post-operative
period.This type of bulge could occur
for a variety of reasons including swelling, seroma formation, encapsulated
hematoma, residual muscle weakness, recurrent separation of the muscles, hernia
formation, intra-abdominal fat, excess subcutaneous fat and possibly fat
necrosis.Under these circumstances, it’s
appropriate to obtain ultra-sound and possibly MRI studies.Depending upon the results, revisional
surgery may be indicated.For these
reasons, it’s important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon.This surgeon should be able to formulate an
appropriate treatment plan.

Although there is still healing underway 6 months after a tummy tuck, major contour problems should not exist.  You picture is difficult to interpret.  The abdominal wall may have been poorly repaired or perhaps not addressed at all.  You might have had an untreated seroma that has become organized and hard.  I would press a good board certified surgeon for a specific answer.

An abdominoplasty is performed by excising redundant tissue and tightening the anterior abdominal wall. In some cases, a lesser form is performed whereby only the excess skin is removed without affecting the lax muscles.
In this case, the lower abdomen may still have a lax abdominal wall as a result of minimal rectus plication. This is not always a result of poor technique, but rather, may have been a product of a lesser form of abdominoplasty procedure with minimal tightening of the abdominal muscles.
If you are concerned about the end result, you may consider speaking to a board certified plastic surgeon who will be able to identify the cause of the bulge and repair it adequately through surgery.

This bulge could represent:
a seroma
a hematoma
a hernia
inadequate or disrupted abdominal plication
asymmetric skin excision
The good news is most of these problems can be corrected relatively easily.
Seek the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon.
Steven Williams, MD

Tonija,
It is hard to tell from just one picture. However, you should not have an asymmetric bulge as you are describing. There are several causes for a bulge after abdominoplasty. You could have a seroma (a fluid collection under the skin), a hematoma (a blood collection under the skin), retained fat, inadequate or asymmetrical skin excision, or breakdown of your muscle plication (tightening). You should seek out another surgical consultation/opinion. While it will likely take another surgery to fix what you are describing, it can likely be done through a mini abdominoplasty approach through your same incision.
I hope this is helpful.
David Shafer, MD
New York City

At this point in time of your recovery, post tummy tuck surgery, swelling should have subsided and any complications may be corrected by your plastic surgeon. I recommend consulting witha  board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best and safest possible option for your case. If you need revisionary surgery or any procedure to correct the complication or issue it will improve the bulge in that area. Unfortunately the photo you provided makes it difficult to diagnose the issue or cause of the bulge. It may be various issues such as, an acumulation of fluid, known as a seroma, a hematoma, irregularty in fat distribution, or muscle diastasis. Consult your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Take care and good luck.

Tummy tucks are extremely popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. After a tummy tuck, patients should expect a significant recovery process. In our practice, we provide two compression garments to all our patients. These garments compress the treated areas and help resolve the swelling. At six months, you should be seeing your final results. If you continue to have a bulge, you should be evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon. They will be able to determine if this fullness is swelling, asymmetry, or a bulge of muscle caused by the loosening of suture.
To learn more about tummy tucks, see photos, and help you decide which one is best for you, please visit us at the link below:

Without examining you it is dificult to tell, but it may be some normal asymmetry with some excess fat on the right side that may be amenable to liposuction. It could also be fluid. If you feel that the belly is a bit protuberant, it may mean that the muscles may need a bit more tightening.