Tender bulge above belly button after tummy tuck with muscle repair.

Question

I am 4 months post op from tummy tuck with muscle repair. I have a tender, somewhat painful bulge above my belly button that gets worse if I work out or go without wearing daily compression. I'm worried about a hernia or failed muscle repair.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not a hernia. At this point in your recovery, it is much too soon to be worried about the outcome.  It takes time for the swelling to resolve.  It may be 6 months or more before the shape has reached its final look.  Be patient.   Watch your physical activity. Everyone is different.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Within a few hours following surgery, abdominoplasty patients will walk in a slightly bent-over position. Strenuous activity and lifting of more than 10 pounds should be avoided for six weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work and daily activities within two weeks of surgery.Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate. You can return to full activity without restrictions at 6 weeks.It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to settle.These can be improved with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as Embrace.  On occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.As questions arise with the healing process, regarding swelling, scars, infections or others, it is always best to visit your surgeon to have the area examined and make sure that healing is progressing as it should. There is always the potential for a problem and your own surgeon knows your personal case the best and can give the most experienced advice. Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A tender bulge will need to be evaluated in person. It could be fluid, it could be a weakness in the muscle repair to  name  a few.

Tender bulge above belly button after tummy tuck with muscle repair.

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Tender bulge above belly button after tummy tuck with muscle repair.

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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