American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Lauren225
5 years ago
Answered

Lower abdomen protrusion... has anyone seen this before???

My lower abdomen protrudes out by about 3-4 inches from my upper abdomen. Has anyone encountered this before? Pictures can be provided!

Procedure: Tummy Tuck
Location: hanover, PA

Replies 6

Steven Wallach
ASPS Surgeon
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I would have to see pictures to determine what the possible cause might be.

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Susan Buenaventura
ASPS Surgeon
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Hello Lauren. From the outside in, the lower abdomen is skin, fat, muscle and then your internal organs. A protruding belly can be excess skin and fat, a loose abdominal wall, a hernia or an enlarged uterus or mass. See a board certified plastic surgeon to see if you are a candidate for correction. Best wishes to you!

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The lower abdominal protrusion could be excess ski, fat or muscle or all of these. Really need an exam to be certain.

You can send pictures via email to drstratis@focusedforyou.com

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Darren Smith
ASPS Surgeon
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Hi Lauren, thank you for your question. There are several possible causes for your lower abdominal bulge. These could include: fat distribution, a hernia, weakening of the tissue between your rectus abdominus muscles (rectus diastasis) or an intra-abdominal mass. While we can't provide a definite answer without knowing the specifics of your history or doing a physical exam, you can do an easy test on your own. If the bulge is easily pinched, it is most likely superficial fat. If not, it is likely a deeper issue. The most likely would probably be a rectus diastasis. While these separations between the six-pack muscles are most common after pregnancy, they can also be genetic. You should see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person consultation to get a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan. - Drs. Alan Matarasso & Darren Smith.

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Nelson Castillo

Thank you for sharing your question. Unfortunately without images, or an idea as to what if any procedure was performed, it is difficult to offer advice.

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Lori Cherup
ASPS Surgeon

Lauren- After a tummy tuck, a real abdominoplasty with fascial plication, and good tailoring of the skin, your lower abdomen should not stick out unless you have a LOT of intraabdominal fat. Do you have a retained seroma? Did your plication sutures break? Send your pic to me at drcherup@drcherup.com and I will give you my advice.

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