Mini tuck upper bulge (Photo)

Question

I had a mini tuck with hernia repair in January 2023. I noticed around a month post bulging in top abdomen that would go away when I compressed. I’m now out of my garments and have this upper bulge still my stomach gurgles and I have upper coning when I get out of bed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A mini tummy tuck only addresses the area below the belly button.  You may be noticing that because the muscle repair was done lower abdomen the upper portion now appears more pronounced.  A standard tummy tuck addresses both the upper and lower portion of the abdomen.  I've included a video on this topic that I hope you find helpful.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

There are two issues that contribute to your concern . . . If you had the lower aspect of the abdominal muscles tightened with the umbilical hernia repair, then there is an incomplete tightening along the entire length of your abdominal muscles with the upper aspect unaddressed causing this "step-off".  A more traditional abdominoplasty is what will address upper muscle tightening. Secondly, there may be a thicker layer of fat above the umbilicus adding to the upper tummy "bulge", although not as much of a contributing factor. Thank you, I hope this helps.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, in your case there may be two options, one, that when the tummy tuck was done they did not repair the abdominal muscles, and two that they repaired them but it was not in a proper way or that the suture was broken, you need an Abdominoplasty by laparoscopy to repair only the muscles properly

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Pink2019,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Unfortunately a very common problem with mini-tummy tucks, your upper abdominal muscles were not tightened, while the lower portion was.  As a result the now "weaker" upper abdomen will protrude more as a result of the "tighter" lower abdomen.  Think of a balloon - if you push down on one side of the balloon, the opposite side bulges as more air is pushed in that direction. The only correction is a revision surgery to address the upper abdomen.

Mini tuck upper bulge (Photo)

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Answer: Mini tuck upper bulge (Photo)

Answer: Mini tuck upper bulge (Photo)

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Mini tuck upper bulge (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Mini tuck upper bulge

Answer: Mini tuck upper bulge

Answer: Mini tuck upper bulge (Photo)

Answer: Mini tuck upper bulge (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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