I have had a tummy tuck approx. 3 years ago and have developed hard lump and constant pain.

Question

It hurts anytime I move. It sends a sharp and burning sensation throughout my lower abdomen. When I google info it really talks about hematomas that are more recent and that goes for calcified hematomas and how to avoid them. I am way past that point. I need to know if this is a possibility and if so what are my options for treatment. This is very painful and each year it only gets worse.

Joseph Parks, MD · Answer

While there are a number of potential diagnosis for this problem, assuming that you have had no intra-abdominal operations (C-section, hysterectomy, colon resection, etc.), the chances that this represents a hernia are low. I think that the most likely cause is an area of compromised fat that has died due to changes in blood supply and is causing a localize inflammatory reaction. It is also possible that you have a persistent suture that never absorbed and can cause a similar foreign body reaction. Finally, some women present with similar symptoms along a c-section scar (which may have been converted to your tummy tuck scar) and the diagnosis can be a seeding of endometrial tissue in the abdominal wall that is firm and painful particularly during menstruation. Any of these problems are fairly easy to fix with surgery. I would recommend discussing your case with a board certified plastic surgeon, preferably the one who performed your original surgery if possible as he/she has the best understanding of your case.

Jennifer Boll, MD · Answer

I am sorry that you are having this pain. I would recommend that you return and talk with your plastic surgeon. Pain and a hard lump three years after surgery is unusual and can be caused by several things including a hernia. The only way to determine what is causing the problem is a physical exam and possible medical imaging. Good luck and I hope that you feel better.

Kenton Schoonover, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck changes the blood supply to the skin and fat of the abdomen after surgery.  Sometimes there can be an area of fat that loses its blood supply.  This is called fat necrosis.  This can result in a hard lump that can sometimes be painful.  Since this has not improved over the last 3 years, then I would recommend excising the hard lump.  This will usually relieve the pain that you are having.

I have had a tummy tuck approx. 3 years ago and have developed hard lump and constant pain.

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I have had a tummy tuck approx. 3 years ago and have developed hard lump and constant pain.

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.