How to flatten bulge above belly button after Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Question

Hello, I’m currently 5’5 and about 156 lbs. I’ve been healing great from my surgery. I have this bulge above my belly button and I’m wondering if it’s visceral fat? How can I target this area? I’ve been losing weight but this bulge will not flatten. It’s weighing on me mentally.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

If it has been less than about 6 months since your surgery, I would recommend giving it more time. You would need an exam to determine if the fat is visceral or not. There is no way to target specific areas of fat - that is controlled with diet and exercise.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
And thank you for the question.
Based on your photo, the bulge may be related to the intrabdominal (visceral fat) or possibly sutures loosening up after surgery.
I would recommend an in-person evaluation by your Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your questions and concerns.
I hope this helps.Best, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

This may be some fat under the skin or loose muscle or both. A small chance it is a seroma or fluid collection. Please ask your surgeon to examine you and let us know. Good Luck!

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

The fullness could be due to liposuction swelling, formation of deep scar, or failure to correct a rectus diastasis. If you are less than 3 months out from surgery, massage and patience are advised. Further out than 3 months, you may be looking at rectus diastasis. Visceral fat is not usually manifest as a small area of fullness. It leads to global swelling. Follow up with your plastic surgeon for evaluation.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing 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. In most cases this is persistent swelling which will resolve spontaneously given sufficient time. It is important, however, to ensure that other issues are not taking place - discrete fluid collection, muscle laxity, or residual adipose tissue. Since your surgeon knows the full details of your operation, they are in the best position to provide you with a diagnosis and treatment option. Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Modest369,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation.  She/He is most familiar with the details of your case and how you've been progressing through recovery.  If the bulge is caused from visceral fat you should notice an improvement from weight loss.  Your surgeon can help you identify other possible causes.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest going back to your surgeon and being examined. This could be some residual fat which could be removed with liposuction. Tt could be internal fullness which cannot be treated with surgery, but rather a change in diet. You might even have some upper muscle weakness still which could be tightened.  An examination should tell what it is or isn't.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Modest,
There are several things that may be causing your bulging issues:
A collection of fluid called a seroma
Lack of muscle tightening during the procedure
A suture failure (Tearing of a suture allowing the muscles to bulge)
Residual fat that may be treated with liposuction
A physical examination would answer this question.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Obtain a soft tissue scan to try to determine if upper bulge is split muscles/internal fat/excess sub cutaneous fat/ or a combination. If the dx is muscle split ony redo full Tt with 3-4 layer muscle repair and mesh would improve these results. Fees in the $10,000-$18,000 ranges..

How to flatten bulge above belly button after Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Answers (12)

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