Pain on abdominal wall and lack of sensation on skin 2 years after tummy tuck and lipo 360 - What can be causing this? (photo)

Question

On July 29th 2020 I got a tummy tuck and lipo 360 in Dominican republic. I got drained with a syringe by my doctor once, after he told me everything was good and that I was fine to travel which was about 42 days after my procedure. I headed back to the United States, which is where I reside then I noticed a bulge on my abdomen and painful so I travel back to the Dominican republic, but he said there was no fluid there, two years and six months later I still feel pain on my upper abdomen area

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

It's concerning that you're experiencing persistent abdominal pain two years after a tummy tuck and 360 Lipo, which is unusual. The fluid you mentioned could have been a hematoma or seroma, but your doctor indicated no fluid upon return.
The numbness on your skin might be due to the surgery; it's common to have permanent numbness after a tummy tuck.
However, the ongoing pain in your upper abdomen is not typical and needs further investigation. I suggest consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon. An ultrasound or MRI may be necessary to explore the cause of the pain.
Thank you for your question regarding abdominal pain two years after a tummy tuck and 360 lipo. 
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If your original surgeon is unable to resolve your issue, it would be best to get a second opinion since the bulge and pain are concerning. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon closer to where you live.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! This is a large part of the reason that we advise patients to be weary of destination surgery. There are some advantages (usually financial), but you aren't close enough to your surgeon for proper follow-up care. I would suggest finding a doctor that might be able to order you some sort of scan to ensure there is nothing is going on. Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to determine what may be causing the bulge that concerns you without an examination or more information.  Change in sensation is a risk with liposuction and a tummy tuck.  Typically sensation will return to normal as swelling resolves and tissues heal, but at times it can be permanent.  At two years post op it is not likely that you will regain your lost sensation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sharix3,
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

Pain on abdominal wall and lack of sensation on skin 2 years after tummy tuck and lipo 360 - What can be causing this? (photo)

Answers (5)