It has been 4.5 months since my full tummy tuck procedure. Around 6 weeks post-op, I developed a severe cough and experienced flatness in my abdomen. However, a bulge has now appeared. My plastic surgeon believes it's due to excess fat and suggests liposuction. I find this confusing since it was flat before and the bulge coincides with the area that feels strained during coughing and sneezing. Could this be related to a muscle repair issue? Is it possible for the muscle to be swollen but the repair still intact?
It is unlikely that you have suddenly developed fat in the area above your belly button. The swelling you are experiencing could be either a small seroma, which is a fluid collection, or a slight separation of the abdominal wall repair. An ultrasound can help diagnose a seroma, while lying flat and lifting your head may reveal a separation if that is the case. A separation would require reoperation and reclosure, while a seroma would require aspiration to remove the fluid.
Thank you for your question. It would be helpful if you could provide pictures to gain a better understanding of the issue you are referring to. Typically, during the swelling process, a bulge can form under the belly button as the fluid starts to move downward. To determine the cause of a sudden bulge over the belly button, further evaluation is necessary.
A bulge in the upper abdomen after coughing, six weeks following a tummy tuck, may indicate a rupture of the suture plication. Repairing this requires re-elevating the entire flap. - [Doctor's Name]
A sudden bulge following a cough or sneeze after tummy tuck surgery can be due to a tear in the muscle repair or a hematoma caused by minor bleeding. Waiting is generally recommended, but a muscle separation may require surgical repair. Liposuction can also cause firmness and bumps in the treated area for several months.
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