Could this bulging above my scar by pseudobursa? (Photos)

Question

I had a tummy-tuck done five years ago. I still have bulging above my scar. Abdominoplasty was done five years ago. I was not happy with the bulging above the scar at a year post-op, so a small liposuction procedure to remove what she believed to be a little excess fat that was left behind. I still have this bulge which looks like a shelf above my scar. it looks uneven in different spots above the scar. Below the scar it's flat. Could this be a pseudo bursa? Thought after five years my tummy would look better than this. Prior tuck, I had loose skin, little fat.

Emile Brown, MD · Answer

It is unlikely this is a pseudobursa based on your pictures. It appears you have a slight mismatch in the skin thickness above and below the scar, which is resulting in a bulging appearance. It also possible your scar is slightly tethered down, and could make this shelf look more noticeable. Your scar also appears to be rather high in terms of location. If you were my patient, I would likely recommend doing more liposuction of the area above the scar, as well as a scar revision to free up any tethering, lower the scar in the midline, and hopefully get rid of the shelf-like appearance. Best of luck.Emile Brown, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Johns Hopkins & Harvard Trained

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Congratulations on your procedure. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. A personal examination is needed to properly address your bulge.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Unfortunately an accurate diagnosis requires more than photographs in this case. A visit to your surgeon could provide the answer after a thorough examination. In some cases an ultrasound may be necessary to complete the diagnosis. Another revision may be worth investigating and  this can be discussed with your surgeon.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photos. Even if there were a bursa ( space) i think it unlikely that it is contributing to your concern unless you feel a fluid filled cavity. From what I see you may benefit from adjusting the scar to help line up the layers of fat both above and below it. Best wishes.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on these photos, you would benefit from a secondary tummy tuck to lower your very high scar and liposuction of your torso to give you an hourglass figure. If you have a pseudo bursa, the way to take care of it is through surgery. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. good luck.

Could this bulging above my scar by pseudobursa? (Photos)

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Could this bulging above my scar by pseudobursa? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Bursae ?

Answer: Bursae ?

Answer: Could this bulging above my scar by pseudobursa?

Answer: Could this bulging above my scar by pseudobursa?

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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.