I have a hardened area the size of golf ball over belly button. What could it be? Post op 4 months tummy tuck

Question

I have a ball of what my ps thought was fluid over my belly button. He was only able to take a full syringe of fluid out once the other times he tried he couldn't pull any More out. He just tells me to massage it and it will go away eventually but I am 4 months post op and still have a somewhat hard ball over my belly button almost size of golf ball. My last visit he told me I may need a ultra sound to make sure there isn't fluid he can't get

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear SanJose75The most likely outcome is a fluid collection(seroma) or just edema but you could also have fat necrosis in that area, or a combination of the two. An ultrasound will be helpful to determine what you have and how to plan a remedy. Keep up with your surgeons recommendations and follow up with him or her closely. Hopefully it will resolve quickly.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. 8 weeks after a tummy tuck there are several possible diagnosis: hematoma, seroma, pseudoherniation of the abdominal fasica, or hernia. A CT scan of the abdomen might shed some light if you would like a more accurate evaluation. Hope this helps,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Mark H. Peters, MD · Answer

I think that getting an ultrasound is a good way to rule out any additional fluid collection.  As long as it is not tender or painful, I do tend to recommend waiting until at least 6 months postop to assess localized lumps.  Another unusual cause of a hard area could be a reaction to a suture if the surgeon tightened the fascia during the surgery.  The knot typically ends either above or below the belly button.

I have a hardened area the size of golf ball over belly button. What could it be? Post op 4 months tummy tuck

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I have a hardened area the size of golf ball over belly button. What could it be? Post op 4 months tummy tuck

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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