Do I have abdominal wall separation from the muscle after tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

At 6 wks I stopped wearing garment. I also had a breast reduction, lift & implant replacement with lipo. Since then my swelling is worse & hurts. Im 8 wks post op & a few days ago I got sick & was vomiting. Now I'm more swollen & very sore around my rib area. I'm worried I may have separation from the muscle. I saw my regular dr last wk & she said there was no fluid under the swelling. I've contacted my surgeon but not getting a call back. I've included photos for you to see. Thank you!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  It is important that you see your plastic surgeon ASAP since you had nausea and vomiting and now this fullness.  Only an examination can determine true nature of the problem

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  I can see the area of concern in your pictures, and the best recommendation would be to see your surgeon for an in-person examination.  They will be able to identify the cause of the bulge in your upper abdomen, as this can often be a fluid collection, routine swelling after surgery, residual adipose tissue, or perhaps a failure of the stitches holding your muscles together.  Only your surgeon knows what was performed at the time of surgery and therefore can better determine what is taking place now.  Hang in there!

John J. Obi, MD · Answer

Than you for your inquiry and the pics.  It appears that there is some swelling or fullness in the area above the navel and if this appeared just after the episodes on nausea and vomiting, it is possible that the muscle repair could have separated.  You should follow up with your treating Plastic Surgeon for a complete evaluation as soon as practical.  Best wishes.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and the pictures. I am sorry that your are experiencing such post operative difficulties. This swelling could have different etiologies, such as post operative edema, seroma, hematoma, dehiscence of the fascial sutures, etc. It is not possible to make the diagnosis without an in-person examination. With the symptoms and finding you have described I recommend to call your plastic surgeon as they are in the best position to evaluate and treat you during your post operative recovery. You should probably be seen fairly soon.I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing photo.Please consult your plastic surgeon for nausea, vomiting and abdominal fullness. proper physical examination recommended. Best Wish.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

What is apparent from your photos is that you have an upper abdominal bulge (muffin tup); this can be caused from 1)tightening the bottom muscles more than the top; 2)rupture of your upper abdominal sutures; 3)stretching out of your uppper abdominal muscles. Please consult your surgeon.

Do I have abdominal wall separation from the muscle after tummy tuck? (Photo)

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