Upper abdominal bulge after tummy tuck - will liposuction fix this? (Photo)

Question

I've had this upper abdominal bulge that was noticeable immediately after my tummy tuck in Feb 2024. I gave it 4 months for swelling to go down, etc but it hasn't changed. I weigh less than I did before my surgery and have been maintaining an active lifestyle and am back to my full workout routine. Is this intra- abdominal fat or subcutaneous fat? It is soft to the touch when compared to my lower abdomen. It seems there is more of a noticeable bulge on the right side than the left.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  It is hard to give a definite answer without a thorough in-office physical examination.  There could be an area that would need a liposuction revision.  If there are creases on your abdomen, it could be the way the compression garment is fitting.  Schedule an in-office consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and allow us to help you reach your goals.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Powerful479374 in Tucson. Thank you for your question regarding the persistent upper abdominal bulge following your tummy tuck in February 2024.

The bulge in your upper stomach could be attributed to a few different factors, such as weakened or loosened rectus muscles or subcutaneous fat. An important factor to consider is whether your surgeon sutured your rectus abdominis muscles from the xiphoid process to the pubic region during your tummy tuck. This technique is typically used to flatten the abdominal profile postoperatively. If your surgeon did not perform this muscle suturing, or if the sutures have loosened, you might need to have the muscle plicated or resutured to correct this issue.

Alternatively, if the bulge is soft to the touch, it might be due to subcutaneous fat. In this case, liposuction could potentially be an effective treatment to remove this excess fat and improve the contour of your abdomen.

To accurately determine the nature of this bulge—whether it's due to muscle weakness, rectus diastasis, visceral fat, or subcutaneous fat—I recommend undergoing an MRI. This will provide a clear understanding of the underlying issue and guide the appropriate treatment.

Good luck with your continued recovery and addressing this concern. I hope this information helps guide you towards a successful resolution and achieving the abdominal contour you desire.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

David Hansen, MD · Answer

You almost always need liposuction of the upper abdomen after a tummy tuck.   That is why liposuction of the whole abdomen with BodytiteRF and Morpheus at the same time before having to get a tummy tuck will usually fix the problem nicely and prevent you from having to do a tummy tuck in the 1st place.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are a few possibilities that could cause the contour of the upper abdomen that concerns you.  It could be visceral fat.  If that is the cause then losing weight would improve it.  It also could be that this area was not repaired with the tummy tuck or not repaired adequately.  The other option, which is not likely, is that it was repaired but the repair has failed.  Your surgeon should be able to help you determine the issue.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The upper abdominal bulge occurs right after surgery due to the fact that with compression from the abdomen inferiorly will cause bulging superiorly.  You may need plication on top which was not done or was inadequate.  This may require a revision.  If fat is present then this can be helped by liposuction but most likely you will need suturing of the upper part of the abdomen to correct the bulging.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Upper abdominal bulge after tummy tuck - will liposuction fix this? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Upper abdomen

Answer: Upper abdomen

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

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Upper abdominal bulge after tummy tuck - will liposuction fix this? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Upper abdomen

Answer: Upper abdomen

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

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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.