Bulge Above Belly Button After Tummy Tuck

Bulge Above Belly Button After Tummy Tuck

Post-op belly button protrusion After a tummy tuck, a diastasis forms, which is the protrusion above the belly button. Abdominal muscle separation, or diastasis, is a common pregnancy and postpartum condition. This condition is not exclusive to pregnant women; it can also affect non-pregnant people who have undergone extreme physical stress, such as from participating in high-level athletic competition.

When abdominal pressure rises, the abdominal muscles separate. This condition is known as diastasis recti. The rectus abdominis muscle, with this additional strain, bifurcates into its two original layers. As the pressure rises, a protrusion forms just above the belly button.

During pregnancy, diastasis can develop for a number of reasons, including edema and the stretching of abdominal muscles caused by carrying a growing baby. Diastasis is common in C-section patients because the abdominal muscles are stretched even farther after the surgery. Read on to learn more on upper abdomen lipo after tummy tuck/hardness around belly button after tummy tuck.

Bulge Above Belly Button After Tummy Tuck

Swelling is a common side effect after a stomach tuck, or abdominoplasty, because of the extent of the procedure. There are various variables that affect how long swelling persists following a belly tuck. If you know what causes swelling, you may mentally prepare yourself and set more reasonable goals for your recovery and outcome.

Tummy tucks often result in some swelling.
After a stomach tuck, it is typical to experience some swelling in the abdominal region. The lymphatic system and the blood arteries in this area drain fluids from the area. These veins are severed during a belly tuck procedure. This causes the body to eliminate fluid from the area much more slowly, leading to edema or swelling.

Although everyone is different, the majority of swelling occurs within the first two months after a tummy tuck. The swelling should continue to go down as the body heals the blood and lymphatic vessels that are responsible for it. Slight swelling is to be expected during the year or more it takes for this healing process to run its course.

Tummy tuck patients have different options when it comes to how much swelling they’ll endure after surgery. Recovery time and swelling are reduced with a small or drainless stomach tuck compared to the standard tummy tuck. When liposuction is combined with a stomach tuck, more edema may occur in other parts of the body.

There may be daily fluctuations in swelling.
Even after the major swelling has subsided, you may still experience some small swelling, which may be influenced by your regular routine. This is because gravity is actively working against you. For instance, prolonged periods of standing have been linked to increased abdominal edema, which often subsides following a restful night’s sleep. You may get post-workout puffiness if you begin exercising.

How to Lessen the Effects of Swelling

Although swelling is a natural part of the healing process, there are some things you can do to help reduce the level of severity.

The best thing you can do to help minimize swelling is to follow your post-op instructions for tummy tuck recovery. You’ll be instructed to wear a compression garment for the first few weeks. Other tips to help reduce swelling include:

• Getting plenty of rest
• Staying hydrated
• Eating a healthy diet low in sodium
• Elevating your lower legs

Upper Abdomen Lipo After Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty is often followed with liposuction of the upper abdomen because patients tend to acquire weight there while keeping their lower abdomen flat.

One of the most common cosmetic procedures performed nowadays is the abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck.” Excess skin after massive weight loss, childbirth, or advanced years are common reasons why patients seek out this procedure. A flatter, tauter appearance in the stomach area may not be possible with exercise alone, but the tummy tuck operation can assist achieve this.

Read this article for in-depth information on the belly tuck, including everything from the preparations needed before surgery to the steps used during the treatment to the dangers involved and the recovery time. As you’ll see in the article’s discussion of the various stomach tuck techniques, not all of these surgeries are created equal. Mini tummy tucks, for example, involve a much smaller incision and produce less dramatic results than full or even partial tummy tucks, which may also involve additional surgeries like a butt lift or liposuction.

Liposuction is also a very popular weight loss procedure and while most patients may only need a tummy tuck, the question of whether a lipo is necessary after the abdominoplasty also arises. At LIMARP®, Dr. Liza María Pompa González and our certified plastic surgery team review your medical history to guide through all the available options and ensure that you get the best treatment possible. This article takes a closer look at the liposuction procedure, its pros and cons, and if it’s a viable option after getting a tummy tuck.

Liposuction: How is it done?

A liposuction is a procedure commonly used in plastic surgery to remove fat and while it’s considered to be generally safe, not all surgeries are equal because they depend on the amount of fat that’s being removed and the anesthesia (general, regional, or local) that will be applied. Surgeons use a cannula and negative pressure to suck out the fat and the techniques may vary according to how the cannula works or if the removed fat will be used as a filler for other parts of the body.

Although liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, there are studies that conclude that it’s not an effective remedy for long term weight loss and it doesn’t affect obesity-related conditions. After recovery, the body’s overall fat returns as it was before the surgical procedure, regardless of diet and exercise regime, and the increase is most notably on the abdominal area. The patient may also experience excess visceral fat around the internal organs which can cause other diseases such as diabetes. 

cosmetic alterations and reshaping of the body. Many patients have found that lipo is not necessary after having an abdominoplasty, but others do consider going that route. As we mentioned before, some tummy tucks include liposuction in order to achieve a certain look.

Liposuction After Abdominoplasty
Liposuction is frequently performed in conjunction with a partial or complete tummy tuck, but not on the abdominal area. Instead, it is performed on the hips, flanks, and pubic region to help patients attain the slim and toned image they desire.
The patient may gain weight in the upper abdomen following abdominoplasty, while the lower abdomen remains flat, hence liposuction of the upper abdomen is a popular procedure. Liposuction is best performed after three to six months of healing, but it’s important to remember that the treatment itself won’t produce permanent benefits.

Many people have benefited from plastic surgery because it has helped them realize their ideal appearance and thus boost their self-esteem. Dr. Tracy McCall is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in a wide variety of cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentation, facelifts, and other facial plastic surgery procedures to improve the appearance of her patients.

Combining different types of plastic surgery can produce even more dramatic improvements to a patient’s look than any one technique alone. Patients in Milwaukee, Wisconsin typically seek Dr. McCall to perform both a breast reduction and a stomach tuck at the same time. Dr. McCall is pleased to do both treatments at once for her patients so they can achieve the best possible surgical outcomes. When combined, breast reduction plus a belly tuck can help you look trimmer and more muscular all over.

Clinical Eligibility
Dr. McCall takes great effort to ensure that his patients are good candidates for plastic surgery procedures before proceeding with any kind of procedure. When deciding whether or not a person is a good candidate for plastic surgery, we give top priority to their safety. Combining different types of plastic surgery results in even more stringent eligibility requirements.

When a patient undergoes a combination of surgical treatments, such as a breast reduction and tummy tuck, they will spend more time under anesthesia. Having many operations done at once also increases the quantity of bleeding. Because of these two criteria, it is crucial that a patient be in good enough health to have surgery. Candidates should not have any preexisting medical disorders, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, or diabetes, that could increase the likelihood of complications after surgery.

Pairing a breast reduction with a tummy tuck has its advantages, but it also increase the chance of problems. A combined breast reduction and stomach tuck may seem like a risky proposition, but Dr. McCall’s expertise and the cutting-edge surgical techniques she employs make it a safe and effective operation. Due to the numerous advantages it offers, many patients are considering a “mommy makeover,” which combines breast surgery with a tummy tuck.

Combining these two procedures has many benefits, including those listed below.

Surgical costs can be reduced by combining a breast reduction with a belly tuck. Patients can save money on a second surgeon’s fee, a second hospital fee, and other expenses by having two surgeries done at once instead of separately.
Only one revival:
Recovery from plastic surgery is not always easy. Recovery time for a combination procedure may be lengthier than for a single cosmetic surgery treatment, but most patients agree that it’s still preferable to having to recover from plastic surgery twice.
Improved outcomes:
When patients undergo a single treatment, such as a breast reduction or tummy tuck, it typically brings focus to other areas of concern, even if the results should be overwhelmingly positive. Patients who have undergone breast reduction to enhance their breast size and form may choose to further target abdominal fat and skin. Combining a breast reduction with a belly tuck allows Dr. McCall to give his patients the best of both worlds: smaller, perkier breasts and a flatter, more toned midsection.
Set Up a Time to Meet
Changes in breast and abdominal size and shape are susceptible to fluctuations in weight, being pregnant or nursing, or simply getting older. Possible candidates for a combined breast reduction and belly tuck include those who want to restore a more toned appearance to their bodies. Get in touch with Dr. Tracy McCall as soon as possible if you’re interested in learning more about this combined operation.

Hardness Around Belly Button After Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck, like any other surgical operation, usually causes some edema in the lower abdomen. Most people feel very bloated and even have some firmness around the abdominal button three weeks following surgery.

Abdominoplasty, most commonly known as a “tummy tuck,” is a common surgical procedure for enhancing the appearance of the abdominal region. After pregnancy or significant weight loss, your stomach’s appearance may change, and a healthy diet and regular exercise may not be enough to restore its former glory. Stretch marks and creased skin are other signs of elastosis, the loss of skin elasticity caused by pregnancy.

It’s important to keep in mind that tummy tuck surgery is NOT a weight loss surgery. It is a body contouring procedure that aims to resurface the abdomen and reverse the signs of aging. When performing a tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon will remove the excess skin and fat, and tighten your stomach muscles.

A normal side effect after tummy tuck is swelling, which is temporary and usually disappears within the first few weeks. However, potential infections or failure to follow the plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions may cause swelling to persist for longer than expected.

Understanding why and how tummy tuck swelling occurs can reduce patients’ concerns and help them have realistic expectations about their tummy tuck recovery.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Let’s take a look at how a patient can heal better and faster following a stomach tuck or micro tummy tuck before we delve into the potential complication of a swelling abdomen.

Tummy tuck recovery duration is comparable to that of other cosmetic procedures. Your plastic surgeon will go over the recovery process in detail with you. For instance, a lower abdominal bulge is common in the hours and days following surgery.

The medical professional may suggest a light compression belt to help with swelling and other potential side effects. The postoperative garment needs to be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week for up to six weeks.

After resting for at least two weeks, you should wait another four before returning to your regular exercise routine. Avoid physical activity, especially abdominal activities, until you hear from your plastic surgeon.

Why Does My Tummy Swell After a Tuck? Is This Typical?
It is quite normal and expected for there to be some swelling in the lower abdominal area after stomach tuck surgery.

Lymphatic rerouting is one of the side effects of tummy tuck surgery. In instance, like a facelift, the plastic surgeon tightens the skin on the abdomen and repositions it. This has resulted in a division of the blood and lymphatic vessels in the region, which previously carried fluid upward.

Although the lymphatic drainage system will eventually function normally once new lymphatic connections have formed, this is currently not the case. Instead, gravity pulls it downward. Scar tissue also prevents fluid from relocating. Edema, or swelling, is the accumulation of fluid that causes the abdominal region to expand.

The degree of edema after a stomach tuck may also be technique-specific. Mini tummy tucks, in comparison to full tummy tucks, typically require shorter periods of recovery time and less swelling. Increased swelling can occur after a stomach tuck, especially if it is combined with liposuction of the abdomen or elsewhere on the body.

It’s also important to remember that painkillers can contribute to abdominal edema. Constipation and gas may result from painkillers that slow down the digestive system. However, this condition is short-lived and disappears once the patient is no longer required to take the medication.

How long does swelling last after having a tummy tuck done?
In the days immediately following stomach tuck surgery, the patient will experience noticeable swelling in the treated area. Typically, swelling takes the longest to go down in the areas immediately surrounding the scars.

Mild swelling persists in the area for about two months, the severity of which varies according to the patient’s aftercare regimen and the patient’s daily activities. For instance, if you stand for long periods of time, your stomach muscles may enlarge again. A good night’s sleep, however, will assist minimize swelling and speed up the healing process.

Minor swelling may persist for up to a year following surgery, but most patients report that they no longer feel or look “bloated” after 18 months have passed.

Tummy Tuck Swelling: The Different Stages
After a stomach tuck, many patients worry about experiencing edema in the lower abdomen. In view of the prevalence of this worry amongst potential and actual recipients of a belly tuck, we compiled the following list.

Third Week Tummy Tuck Swelling
Tummy tuck, like any other surgical operation, usually causes some edema in the lower abdomen. Most people feel very bloated and even have some firmness around the abdominal button three weeks following surgery.

3 Months After Tummy Tuck and Still Swelling
Three months following a stomach tuck, the swelling in the lower abdomen area should begin to decrease noticeably. However, some residual swelling and puffiness is to be expected.

Six Month Post-Tummy-Tuck Swelling
Even 6 months after belly tuck surgery, many patients still feel slight bloating. Patients often have to stand for long periods of time, which could be contributing factor. However, getting a “good night’s sleep” will reduce the puffiness in the stomach.

Irregular Puffy Belly 8-9-10 Months After Tummy Tuck
Between 8 and 10 months after a belly tuck, most of the swelling should have gone down. However, continued abdominal swelling could be the result of fluid retention brought on by diet and salt intake. If a patient experiences upper or lower abdominal swelling 10 months following stomach tuck surgery, they should schedule a follow-up appointment with their surgeon.

Tummy Tuck Swelling One Year Later
Tummy tuck patients should expect to see their postoperative swelling gradually decrease over the course of a year to a year and a half. However, it is impossible to predict how long it will take anyone to feel better. Patients should see a plastic surgeon if they notice anything out of the ordinary with their swelling.

Belly Bumps Two Years After Abdominoplasty
Two years after a tummy tuck, excess fat and sagging muscle may be to blame for a prominent midsection. Those people still experiencing bloating despite attempts at weight loss should seek medical help. Perhaps getting a second opinion from a plastic surgeon would be useful.

The best way to get rid of the puffiness and edema that comes after a full or minor tummy tuck is to be patient and follow your plastic surgeon’s aftercare guidelines. Patients with a healthy immune system who follow their doctor’s instructions for post-operative care recover more quickly.

You can rest assured that Dr. Stavrou will be available to you at any time, both during and outside of your scheduled follow-up appointments, if you had your stomach tuck at the European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS).

Tips for Managing Post-Op Swelling
After plastic surgery, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to wear a compression garment as instructed by your surgeon.

After surgery, the patient should rest and not exert themselves physically too much. Shopping for food, water, and anything else they might need in the early days of recovery before surgery is a good idea.

Although swelling is to be expected after a tummy tuck, the level of swelling can be mitigated by following these ten recommendations, all of which have been approved by doctors.

Limit your salt intake.
Cut down on salt consumption and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Don’t light up
Avoid getting the scars and stomach dirty.
Grab some shut-eye and take it easy during the day. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try propping up your feet.
Light walking should be incorporated into your daily routine.
You should pay attention to your body and let it heal at its own pace.
Keep all of your scheduled follow-ups.
Abdominoplasty plus liposuction, also known as a “Mommy Makeover,”
Patients who opt for liposuction or a Mommy Makeover in addition to their tummy tuck should be prepared for longer-lasting swelling. Again, it is normal for the recovery period to be lengthened for patients who underwent multiple cosmetic procedures at once.

Although some swelling is to be expected after these procedures, most women agree that the end result is well worth it. In addition to liposuction of the stomach and thighs, a Mommy Makeover may also involve an arm lift, a breast lift, and a facelift.

While recovery from abdominoplasty is different for every individual, there is a general tummy tuck recovery timeline that is applicable in most cases. While it may be six to eight weeks before you can resume all normal activities following tummy tuck surgery, you should be able to:

• Resume working a non-strenuous job within five to seven days
• Resume most household and work duties within four weeks
• Adopt an exercise routine within four to six weeks

It is recommended that you wear a compression garment for at least six weeks post abdominoplasty. However, it should not interfere with general comfort or abilities.

The First Few Weeks 

It is important that you get plenty of rest in the days following tummy tuck surgery. Having a family member or friend help with household duties during this time is ideal. It can also be helpful to set up a rest area prior to your procedure to make sure you have a comfortable place to just relax. Think about books, magazines, and other things you may want to pass the time and allow yourself the opportunity to relax and recover during this period. This can have a profound impact on your long-term results.

Some swelling and mild discomfort may be present for the first few weeks. Our doctors will provide you with medications to deal with discomfort. Swelling can be reduced by wearing your compression garment and taking several walks throughout the day. These walks can be started the day after your procedure and you are free to take as many as you like – so long as you don’t exhaust yourself.

Week Six and Beyond

By weeks six, you may be able to resume a majority of your normal activities, though it could be one or two more weeks before you are completely healed. During your recovery, you will return to our office for follow-up visits to make sure you are progressing appropriately. These visits also give us an opportunity to answer any questions you might have and address any concerns.

You can help reduce risks and improve your experience by keeping these appointments and following all of our pre and postoperative directions. These will include not smoking, getting plenty of rest, and only resuming activities after we give you the okay. Simply following these instructions can have a big impact on your comfort and results. We will cover these things in greater detail during your tummy tuck consultation and review as needed while you are in our care.

Final Results

usually improve within this time frame, while some extra months may be required for a completely trimmer midsection.

Take care of yourself and be patient throughout this time to maximize the likelihood of achieving desirable and long-lasting outcomes. Taking care of yourself means doing things like eating right and exercising regularly to boost your health and performance. During your first consultation, we will go over all of this in greater depth to ensure that you have a firm grasp on what is needed to have the most beneficial experience possible.

Call Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery at 605-934-7200 immediately if you live in Los Altos or the nearby areas of California and are thinking about getting a belly tuck. People from all over the Santa Clara Valley, including Palo Alto, San Jose, Mountain View, and Santa Clara, are always welcome to join us.

bulge-above-belly-button-after-tummy-tuck
You decided to get a belly tuck and the results exceeded your expectations. However, a few months later, you see a bulge in your upper abdominal region. Many people experience this after having this operation done. Most of the time, more surgery is the only option for fixing this problem. On the other hand, there are measures you can do at home to lessen the severity of your symptoms.

Protrusion of the Upper Abdomen after a Tummy Tuck
Pseudobursa: what is it?

After surgery on the abdomen, a fluid-filled pocket called a pseudobursa can form between the abdominal muscles and the skin. Excess fluid forms between layers of tissue when there are changes to the underlying tissue, as can occur following stomach tuck surgery or liposuction operations. Although pseudobursas pose no health risks, they can cause your body to appear lumpy and uneven after surgery, so it’s important to know how to get rid of one if you develop one.

Belly Button Pseudobursa: How to Get Rid of It
The Mechanism:

Pseudo bursae are collections of fluid that can form anywhere on the body, including the belly button. It’s a common side effect of having your belly button tightened, although it heals on its own eventually.

Here’s how to know whether you’ve got one:

Typically, a pseudobursa will manifest as some extra fat around the belly button. Lying down could make the swelling more apparent than when you’re sitting or standing.

What Causes a Fat Bump to Reappear Following Liposuction?
The growth is a pseudobursa, a fluid-filled sac.
The discomfort in your stomach after liposuction is temporary and is completely natural.
If you wish to lessen swelling and pain (and have a scar in that location erased), your surgeon may recommend draining the pseudo bursa.
After several months of drainage, a persistent pseudobursa may prompt your physician to suggest surgical removal. Swelling and pain following liposuction are not indicative of a cancerous tumor; if you are worried about the size or appearance of any lumps or bumps on your body, consult your doctor.
What to Expect in the First Week After a Tummy Tuck and Beyond
Recovery from a belly tuck can be challenging, especially in the first week. While fatigue and discomfort are inevitable, they can be mitigated to some extent by planning ahead.

If you plan on spending the first week after surgery in bed or sitting up a lot, clearing the clutter and getting rid of any furniture that could cause harm or pain is a good idea. Concepts could consist of:
Get rid of the obstructions to your free movement by rearranging the furnishings (e.g., a dresser).
Getting rid of closets to free up space for walking about (or canceling unnecessary closet-cleaning projects until later).
If you see a bulge in your upper abdomen after having a stomach tuck, you should schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon. Check the incision site for signs of infection or bleeding to ensure a healthy recovery.

It’s possible that a slight protrusion above the belly button is to be expected following a tummy tuck, but it’s best to check with your surgeon just to be sure. This is discouraging information for those who are attempting to get healthy by cutting calories and increasing physical activity, so don’t be shy about asking questions regarding your next steps.

If you see a bulge in your upper abdomen after having a stomach tuck, you should schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon.