Bulge and ledge after extended tummy tuck! How do I fix it? (Photos)

Question

I'm 3 months post op. I have a ext. tt wit lipo of the flanks. My tummy was completely flat after surgery, then I go a seroma. I had the seroma trained but the bulge never completely went away. I now have what looks like a muffin top on my front left side. Spots on my incision open from time to time. How do I fix this, or do I need revision surgery?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,First thing is to determine if you are healed and have no residual fluid collection.  If there is uncertainty, then an ultrasound of the region will confirm that there is no more fluid.  Once that has been established, it is likely that liposuction will re-contour the area and give you a flatter appearance across your abdomen. Best of luck!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Most likely that you have some fluid in your lower abdomen; chronic seroma must be ruled out by means of standing CT scan. If there is no seroma, waiting at least 6 months is recommanded for swelling of soft tissue to subside. Revision surgery by means of liposuction, possibly scar revision/skin excision may be considered not sooner then 1 year after first surgery. Good luck.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

You have open wounds and are not fully healed. You need to see your plastic surgeon as soon as you can and address these wounds. Your wounds may be related to your muffin top in the swelling in the photos or is there a seroma is present? Get checked out. No revisions until 1 year post-op.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear JayMO314,it is hard to tell without an examination. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is still early postop and things will improve. After 12-18 months if you still have excess tissue this could be removed.Stay in contact with your PS esp if you are having some discharge still.

Fara Movagharnia, DO, FACOS · Answer

Thank you for the photos.  You are still in the healing phase, and a revision of your tummy tuck is not appropriate at this time as you still have open incisions and persistent swelling.  Please visit your PS as soon as possible to get advice on proper wound care.  Medical issues such as diabetes or poor nutrition can affect healing, as can too much activity.  Once you are fully healed, then you can consider your option of a revision if necessary.

David A. Lickstein, MD · Answer

You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  It might be worth doing an imaging study to determine if any seroma remains.  It is unusual to have more swelling long term than you did after surgery.  This should improve and not worsen.  Chronic seromas may require surgery.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Obviously it takes an exam to be sure but from the photo it appears that you have a contracted seroma cavity and that "bunches up" the skin. It is correctible by revising the area surgically.

Bulge and ledge after extended tummy tuck! How do I fix it? (Photos)

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