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

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.

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.

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