Incision area bulge after Gastric Bypass

[RonHall908 131]

The incision area in the middle of my belly has a knot/bulge. I don't think it's a hernia, because the Doctor explained they would put mesh to ensure a hernia wouldn't be an issue. It's a semi hard knot/bulge. Doesn't stick out a lot, but it's definitely noticeable. It's not too sore or red. I have another incision that is similar, though it's not protruding as much. Anyone had something similar?

[KathyLev 286]

I have the same thing. The scar above my belly button is purple-ish and sticks out. It doesn't hurt , but it looks bad ! I showed the doc and he said it's not a hernia,but just the way I heal. 2 other ones are like that and the other ones aren't. I also have a few more purple-ish scars from my robotic hysterectomy years ago. My abdomen looks like a connect the dots game...... LOL

[RonHall908 131]

16 minutes ago, KathyLev said:

I have the same thing. The scar above my belly button is purple-ish and sticks out. It doesn't hurt , but it looks bad ! I showed the doc and he said it's not a hernia,but just the way I heal. 2 other ones are like that and the other ones aren't. I also have a few more purple-ish scars from my robotic hysterectomy years ago. My abdomen looks like a connect the dots game...... LOL

Thanks for the info. Puts my mind at ease a little. Last thing I would need is a hernia!

[newbegining2024 96]

I had 8 incisions from the surgery and one of my incision has a bulge as well. I think it’s how someone’s body heal, and the collagen produce in the individual’s body. I read it somewhere when collagen is over produced for the incision the bulge would happen.

[summerseeker 2,415]

Are they possibly keloid scars ? You usually get them in areas where they can be rubbed. If so you will need steroid injections in them. That will stop them growing bigger. I had a big scar under my arm pit from a punctured lung and had to have this treatment. It worked.

[Arabesque 7,615]

How long ago did you have your surgery? If it was recently it could be swelling or internal bruising. If it was a while ago it could be internal or external scar tissue. Next time you visit your doctor or surgeon ask them what they think & what can be done to reduce it if it is something that bothers you.

Try gently massaging the scar area with Vitamin E oil or bio oil. I used bio oil on my scars & you can hardly see them. I’ve used it on older scars too. It helped fill in a depressed scar that was years old too.

[newbegining2024 96]

Sorry posted something by mistake

Edited February 12, 2024 by newbegining2024
Posted in wrong forum

[newbegining2024 96]

@RonHall908

how are your incisions healing?

Just want to let you know my bulge incisions smooth out, doctor explained to me it was the internal stitch knots making the incision seem bulged. After the body absorbed the stitches most of the time it will smooth out. I still have some area where I can feel the knots just right underneath my skin. Actually one of the stitch came out on the edge my the incision and I have to use a tweezer to take it out. Over all my incisions are not bulge anymore.

[RonHall908 131]

59 minutes ago, newbegining2024 said:

@RonHall908

how are your incisions healing?

Just want to let you know my bulge incisions smooth out, doctor explained to me it was the internal stitch knots making the incision seem bulged. After the body absorbed the stitches most of the time it will smooth out. I still have some area where I can feel the knots just right underneath my skin. Actually one of the stitch came out on the edge my the incision and I have to use a tweezer to take it out. Over all my incisions are not bulge anymore.

The incisions actually look pretty good now and are healed up. The bulge I was worried about was an area about the size of my fist where the middle incision was. Now it's not bulged out like it was. Doctor said it was swelling.

[newbegining2024 96]

1 hour ago, RonHall908 said:

The incisions actually look pretty good now and are healed up. The bulge I was worried about was an area about the size of my fist where the middle incision was. Now it's not bulged out like it was. Doctor said it was swelling.

Glad your issue was resolved!

[RonHall908 131]

20 hours ago, newbegining2024 said:

Glad your issue was resolved!

Thank you!
How has everything been going with you?

[newbegining2024 96]

25 minutes ago, RonHall908 said:

Thank you!
How has everything been going with you?

I’m doing ok. I had revision and it’s definitely not the same as I expected. It’s slow weight loss but at least it’s going down. Body take longer to heal compared to before. Over all can’t complaint. Thanks for asking!

[Jalapeño 13]

Post surgery, how long did your incisions generally take to heal? By when were you safe to bathe without wearing waterproof dressings on the incisions for example.

[Arabesque 7,615]

If I remember correctly I think it was around one or so weeks. I remember the surgeon saying the dressings would slowly work their way off (loosening around the edges) & as long as the wounds weren’t being irritated by anything like clothing & looked healed on the surface I didn’t have to cover them again.

Your internal healing takes about 8 weeks.

[RonHall908 131]

13 hours ago, Jalapeño said:

Post surgery, how long did your incisions generally take to heal? By when were you safe to bathe without wearing waterproof dressings on the incisions for example.

My incisions were glued. By the second day after surgery I could shower without directly applying soap and Water to them. With stitches it maybe more strict. Just follow the surgeons direction. If they weren't clear call to make sure.