Uneven bulge on one side post tummy tuck - what could this be? (Photo)

Question

Had tummy tuck Feb 2024. Bulge noticed immediately after. Had liposuction 3 weeks ago to address excess fat in upper abdomen. Left side noticeably bulges out more than right in side profile view. When I run my hand down the left side on my tummy, I can feel a hard lump that is not present on my right side. I have lost 5 lbs since the operation. It's more noticeable after I eat or in the evening. What could this be? Is it my organs on my left side pushing out? Why is one side so different ?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation of the bulge that concerns you.  It could be swelling related to your surgery or it could be fluid build up.  Your surgeon should help provide clarification for you.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your history and for sharing your pictures, Powerful479374. In regard to the bulge you're noticing on one side after your tummy tuck and recent liposuction, there are several possibilities to consider. These include the development of a seroma (fluid collection), hematoma (blood collection), a hernia, or the partial or complete tearing of your prior tummy tuck rectus muscle plication sutures.

A physical examination and possibly radiographic workup, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, will be necessary to determine the exact cause of this lump.

If it’s a seroma, the fluid can usually be drained with a needle every other day over several weeks.
If it’s a hematoma, it might only need to be drained once or twice in the office with a needle.
If it’s a hernia, surgery might be required to repair it. A hernia can be best confirmed with imaging such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
Additionally, if your plastic surgeon used permanent sutures to repair the rectus muscles during your tummy tuck, it’s possible that some of these sutures have broken. Liposuction in the area can sometimes cause strain on these stitches, leading to a partial bulge of the rectus abdominis muscle. This can also be visualized on imaging like a CT or MRI.
Given the noticeable difference and the hard lump you're feeling, I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon promptly to determine the cause of the bulge. They will be able to evaluate the situation and recommend appropriate treatment based on the findings.

I hope this helps to answer your question about the bulge you developed after your tummy tuck and liposuction. Wishing you the best of luck.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Powerful479374,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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

Andrei Rios, MD · Answer

It's hard to assess you only through photos. Also to do that without pre op photos from before your surgeries. When there are asymmetries, it could be that they were present before surgery, asymmetries in your body (one side of the rib cage sticks out more than the other), fat pockets that were left in place, or even fluid build up. It's impossible to know without an assessment, but your doctor may know better since they did your surgery. Other imaging studies may help (especially a CT scan) to know what is actually in that area (hernia, fluid, fat, bone).

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

We are all asymmetric and one side of our abdomen is different than the other. If abdominal wall tightening was done, this could have created some changes in the upper abdomen. It appears that liposuction has helped some which improves excess fat. I would obtain an abdominal ultrasound to rule out any hernia or weakness of the abdominal wall on that side.

Uneven bulge on one side post tummy tuck - what could this be? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: It would be better to attend an in person consultation.

Answer: It would be better to attend an in person consultation.

Answer: Bulge following tummy tuck

Answer: Bulge following tummy tuck

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Uneven bulge on one side post tummy tuck - what could this be? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: It would be better to attend an in person consultation.

Answer: It would be better to attend an in person consultation.

Answer: Bulge following tummy tuck

Answer: Bulge following tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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