Has my tummy tuck cause my epigastric hernia or made it noticable?

I am worried about my epigastric hernia?Congratulations on your recent tell me tuck surgery! I am concerned about this excessive swelling you described in your upper tummy. Unfortunately online there is no way to make a diagnosis here. I think you need to go and see your plastic surgeon, have him look at the upper tummy, and if necessary get the appropriate imaging or physical exam to make a diagnosis as to the cause of your pain and extra fullness there.I hope the rest of your recovery becomes more routine! Dr. Aldo

Unfortunately, this isn't a question that can be answered over the internet. My best advice to you is to call your plastic surgeon or get the advice of  a plastic surgeon in your area to get examined. A physical examination of your concerns is most important and you should have follow-up.

I have been in practice for 30 yrs as a plastic surgeon and have yet to see a hernia develop as a complication of a tummy tuck. Then again I live by the premise that "just because you haven't seen something, doesn't mean it cant exist". But seriously, unless you're talking about a very unusual situation in which the surgeon penetrates and damages the lower abdominal wall layer , a hernia should not result. It is possible that a hernia was present from a previous surgery but "hidden' by surrounding fat and not visible until the tummy tuck was performed. Also the "ball" and adjacent dent could be a collection of fluid or blood, or an irregularity from accompanying liposuction.By the way, many of us (board certified plastic surgeons practicing in the US) operate on patients from out of town, often thousands of miles away but we have established protocols to deal with complications. Your operating surgeon has to be responsive to your concerns. Otherwise,  find one that is, in your area.

Hi darling, thank you for your question.So sorry for what you've been through but unfortunately the surgery may have contribute to this issue. The only reasonable solution is to go and reach your doctor out for a revision to prevent any complication from happening.Hope this helps,Dr. Jimenez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Hi and welcome to our forum!An examination is required to differentiate among the various possibilities. Postoperative swelling may produce unnatural dents and divots. This is usually minor and subsides within weeks. Postoperative bleeding or the development of seroma may create a tender firm spherical mass. Disruption of the muscle repair may result in epigastric fullness.Options:1. As your plastic surgeon is thousands of miles away, speak with his / her staff. Ask for their recommendations. Submit photographs. Consider a trip to see your plastic surgeon. 2. See if your surgeon knows a local fellow plastic surgeon who will see you. 3. Contact your primary care physician for evaluation. Ask for recommendations / referral.  4. Contact local plastic surgeons. They may be hesitant to evaluate another surgeon's complications (and take on the added risks involved).  5. If all else fails, present to your local ER for evaluation and referral. Best wishes...