Lumps in my bikini line 7 months after tummy tuck. What are these, and how can I get rid of them?

Thank you for your question. Based on your description, these lumps above your bikini line, which are more prominent when standing and disappear when lying down, are likely residual swelling or areas of localized fat or fluid retention. These are relatively common after a tummy tuck, especially at 7 months post-op, as the body can take up to a year or more to fully heal and settle.

The lumps may also be small pockets of scar tissue, which can sometimes form along the incision line or in areas where lymphatic flow has not yet fully normalized. If you had liposuction as part of your procedure, the irregularity might be related to how the fat was removed or how your body is healing.

What You Can Do:
Lymphatic Drainage Massage: While stopping regular lymphatic massages is understandable due to cost, resuming occasional sessions might help improve the appearance and reduce any swelling or fluid buildup. A licensed massage therapist experienced in post-surgical care can assist with this.

Compression Garments: If you’ve stopped wearing compression garments, consider reintroducing them temporarily. They can help flatten lumps and improve lymphatic drainage.

Self-Massage: Gentle, consistent self-massage along the affected area can help break down scar tissue and encourage fluid movement. Use circular motions and be cautious not to apply excessive pressure.

Time and Patience: Seven months post-op is still within the healing window for a tummy tuck. Your body may continue to improve naturally as swelling subsides further.

Consult Your Surgeon: If the lumps are bothersome, persistent, or causing discomfort, it’s best to schedule a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon. They may suggest non-invasive treatments such as steroid injections for scar tissue or ultrasound therapy to break down hard areas. In rare cases, revision surgery may be discussed if the lumps don’t resolve and are aesthetically or functionally problematic.

It sounds like your recovery has otherwise been smooth, which is a great sign. These lumps are usually manageable, and with the right interventions, your results should continue to improve. Always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure proper guidance and care.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS

Your bumps are likely either, 1) Knots from the sutures under your skin, or, 2) small areas of fat which got strangled by the suturing. If your deep sutures are dissolving sutures, these bumps will eventually disappear as the sutures is absorbed. If those sutures are permanent, these bumps may not disappear. If these bumps are due to the strangulated fat, ie, fat necrosis, they will eventually resolve, though fat necrosis can take a long time to fully resolve. Check with your plastic surgeon for your peace of mind. Best wishes.

Are they along the scar? If so it may be signs of hypertrophic scar or keloid. If this is what they are, they would not change when standing/sitting. They would be present in any position. Lumps above the scar can be fibrosis under the skin which is very common after a tummy tuck with lipo. Lymphatic massage early then more aggressive massage for fibrosis later are key to smooth results.

I would suggest going back to your surgeon to see if you have suture granulomas or areas of fat necrosis, both which can be excised in the office under local anesthesia.

It's difficult to suggest what the lumps may be without an examination or photos. It could be scar tissue, suture knots, swelling, or something else. I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation.

Without an examination or seeing pictures, I don’t think we can get you a quality assessment. Some people have lumps throughout their fat, and some people have an abdominal wall that has contour, irregularities, and then individuals they can sometimes feel the sutures used to do muscle tightening during the procedure. if Liposuction was done in conjunction, and this can also leave an uneven fat distribution. If the lumps or close to your incision line and it’s likely scar tissue.
Follow up with your provider or schedule in person. Second opinion consult with other providers. I don’t think there’s anything to do in regards to treatment especially if you’re happy with the overall outcome.
Massage does not change the outcome of plastic surgery procedures.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD