5’3, 130lb, no weight gain - lump after tummy tuck 1 year ago? (Photo)

Question

I’m 5’3, 130lb . I haven’t gained any weight since my surgery. I had a tummy tuck with MR last February and my DR said my swelling would go down . The top of my stomach looks amazing but right above my incision I have a huge bulge . And when I wear leggings it sticks out . What can be done or what went wrong ? Will it go away.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

The little pouch you see below the belly button is because the abdominal skin is not liposuctioned during TT so the thickness you had before surgery still there. 
Nothing wrong with it, it happens to all patients because doing liposuction to the abdominal skin at the same time of the tummy tuck increases the risk of a serious complication called skin necrosis. 
I never have done lipo to abdomen during Tummy Tucks and liposuction must be done 5/6 months after to be in the safe side. 
Nothing is wrong with your surgery, it just need the second stage of the procedure: liposuction.be encouraged 
Dr. Cárdenas

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

After a year, it's not going to go away. It is most likely residual fat tissue. If that is the case, it can be helped with abdominal liposuction.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  I would recommend discussing with your surgeon your concerns and requesting a CT scan to assess the area.  This will help your surgeon to determine if it is swelling or something more.  Best of luck to you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Lejoliedame,
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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Difficult to tell without an in-person examination.  This may be residual muscle laxity from the muscle tightening component or a thicker layer of subcutaneous tissue that may be amenable to liposuction.  Hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At one year post op it is unlikely you will notice any further changes to your results.  If the lump is fatty tissue you can consider liposuction of this small area which could likely be done in an office surgical suite.  If there is excess skin as well that can be revised to smooth out the area.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears as excess fat layering is present. Only liposuction or surgical revision could thin this area more. Best to discuss with your chosen operative surgeon or seek in person/virtual second opinions from boarded PSs.

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!During abdominoplasty, the skin and soft tissue are elevated from the underlying musculature from the bottom of the rib cage to the pubis. Care is taken NOT to undermine the soft tissues to remove fat as it would endanger the viability of the tissues. The skin and soft tissue from above the belly button is pulled downward to the pubis and the excess is removed. The thickness of these tissues may not be the same. You may be a candidate for a secondary liposuction of the abdomen and suprapubic area to even out the contour as it has been a year since your previous procedure. 15% of cosmetic surgeries may benefit from a secondary touchup procedure.Revisit your plastic surgeon for evaluation, examination, and discussion.Best wishes...

5’3, 130lb, no weight gain - lump after tummy tuck 1 year ago? (Photo)

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