2 year post op belly bulge. What are my options? (Photo)

Question

I had a full tummy tuck 2 years ago. I have this lower belly bulge that won’t go away. My Dr was amazing and did an incredible job. He moved away so I saw another Dr who thinks it’s fine but ordered an MRI just to be sure. I hope I didn’t spend thousands of dollars and have major surgery to have this bulge for the rest of my life. I would have just dealt with the way it was before. It wasn’t that bad. I workout a lot and am hoping I didn’t mess something up. Hoping for some other opinions. Thank

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You would benefit from a repeat tummy tuck with mesh reinforcement.  If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement.  The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

The most likely reasons for the bulge involve either the abdominal wall or intraabdominal contents. If the problem is in the abdominal wall, this can generally be improved by muscle plication. Regarding intraabdominal conditions, if the bowels or organs are the cause, this would be treated by your primary care physician and referral to a specialist as needed. If the problem is increased visceral fat, the only effective treatment is weight loss. Begin with a return visit to your surgeon to obtain a proper diagnosis and to discuss your options.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos the contour that concerns you is likely either from visceral/internal fat or a weakened muscle wall.  Visceral fat is improved with weight loss.  It cannot be addressed with a tummy tuck or liposuction.  If you have a weakened abdominal wall you may need further correction, potentially with mesh to help this not reoccur.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

If the voluminous area just appear may be the result of weight gain as subcutaneous fat or visceral fat and a bit of pushing the muscle. So the improvement will be observed after losing the  weight.  It may also be some internal swelling like colon or uterus, if so you need to be seen by a Gynecologist or Gastroenterologist. 
If it has been like that since after surgery, most likely you have a little volume of fat which remains after Tummy tuck and just need some liposuction. 
Be encouraged. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fierce113495,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

2 year post op belly bulge. What are my options? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Lower abdomen volume

Answer: Lower abdomen volume

Answer: 2 year post op belly bulge

Answer: 2 year post op belly bulge

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2 year post op belly bulge. What are my options? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Lower abdomen volume

Answer: Lower abdomen volume

Answer: 2 year post op belly bulge

Answer: 2 year post op belly bulge

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.