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Stomach Looks Larger After Tummy Tuck - Is there a problem?
It is difficult to say without an examination. Abdominal bulges that occur after your initial healing can represent several things. It may be a fluid collection that has occurred after your drains were removed (this could include hematoma or seroma. These will usually resolve on their own but may require drainage. Your description of the area being hard point more towards a hematoma. It may also represent a separation of your muscle repair. This can be something that may need surgical revision. It may just be residual swelling within the tissue itself. Be sure to address your concerns with your plastic surgeon.
Clinical Context
Hematomas and seromas both involve fluid collecting under the skin after drains come out. Hematomas contain blood and often feel firm as it clots; seromas are more fluid and softer. Both usually resolve on their own or with simple in-office drainage. A bulge from a stretched or separated muscle repair tends to worsen with straining or early activity and may need surgical correction. Ordinary post-surgical swelling is common and fades gradually over weeks. Any new firmness or bulge is worth having your surgeon examine.
