Unknown bulge above belly button after liposuction. What is it? How to remove it? (Photo)

Question

I have had liposuction after my c section. I noticed this bulge above my belly button right after my liposuction and when i asked my doctor he said that its seroma and it would go away once the swelling subsides. Its been 4 years now and its still there, its more pronounced when i flex my muscles or suck in my stomach. What is it? And how to remove it? Im considering a tummy tuck to remove excess skin under belly button, but Im not sure if this irregularity will be resolved as well? Thanks!

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Sometimes the fluid from a seroma will absorb. But if it had been there longer than 6-8 weeks, it could lead to a permanent layer of scar tissue that can tether the skin and cause irregularities.

If you have a tummy tuck, this skin will be stretched down and moved lower, but it probably won’t be completely removed. Bottom line, there is no guarantee that a tummy tuck will solve the problem, but it will likely improve it and move it lower, where it could more easily be covered with bottoms.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Further evaluation is needed to know for sure, but it could be scar tissue or a fatty pocket.  In either case a tummy tuck should be able to address it.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an examination to learn more.

Roger Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Philosophical6160,
I have reviewed your photos, and pinpointing the exact cause of the irregularity that you see above your umbilicus can be challenging without being able to examine you in person, however, I think there are a number of possibilities:1. There is residual adiposity (fat) in this area relative to the surrounding tissues. If this is the case, a little 'touch-up' liposuction to this area with focus on fat equalization may help.2. You have rectus diastasis in this area (separation of the abdominal muscles). This issue would be addressed during an abdominoplasty procedure when the separation between the abdominal muscles is closed with suture. 3. The previous liposuction was a bit too superficial in this area, leading to some scarring. This is a more challenging issue to fix with 'touch up' liposuction, but could possibly be addressed during an abdominoplasty, although it is doubtful that this area would be excised or removed during that procedure since it is above the umbilicus. The scar tissue in this region could be divided with cautery during the procedure to try and soften its appearance.4. You could have a hernia in this area. I feel that this is the least likely of the scenarios I describe above, but it remains on the differential diagnosis. 
Suffice it to say, I would recommend having an in-person evaluation by a qualified surgeon so that more diagnostic maneuvers can be performed and a plan can be outlined together. 
Thank you for your question!
-Roger Smith, MDBeleza SurgeryCedar Park, Texas

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos there is a possibility that you have muscle diastasis ( a gap between rectus  muscles, stretched muscle fascia) or true hernia. It may also be a small fat deposit?  You should seek a second opinion by a board certified plastic surgeon to rule out these options. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

An examination is needed to be certain, but you may have a residual seroma pocket or prominent muscle. This can easily be fixed with a tummy tuck.

Unknown bulge above belly button after liposuction. What is it? How to remove it? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Fat collection, Muscle diastasis or hernia

Answer: Fat collection, Muscle diastasis or hernia

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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

Unknown bulge above belly button after liposuction. What is it? How to remove it? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Fat collection, Muscle diastasis or hernia

Answer: Fat collection, Muscle diastasis or hernia

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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