Abdominal Hematoma Scar Tissue Healing?

I had a Tummy Tuck in February 2012. In April, a large hematoma formed in my abdomen. After having it drain over the course of a month or so, it is clear that there is internal scar tissue that presents itself as a "ridge". This scar tissue is creating an abnormal contour, as it is elevated, bulging almost. My surgeon recommended that I apply heat and massage to help it break down and heal. It has been almost 5 months and it doesn't seem to be improving. Will surgery be needed to address this?

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hematoma scar tissue 8 months post-op

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Greg35

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Hematoma post abdominoplasty now with a ridge

This is a very interesting question. Hematomas after they occur will congeal (clot) and after many weeks will then liquefy and either reabsorb or they will drain out of the incision. When it is in the solid phase, external modalities as you have been instructed will help it to break up and liquefy. At five months, all of this should be gone. Occasionally, a hematoma can become encapsulated and remain as a ridge. I have seen this occur in somebody who took a... more

Scar ridge after tummy tuck

The thickened scarred area may resolve gradually over the course of a year. If it does not, a scar revision should be considered. Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Scar tissue after wound healing problems from a tummy tuck

Scar tissue will continue to soften and improve over 12-18 months. However, if things have settled down after about 6-8 months and the healing has plateaued, you might want to consider scar revision. This is usually easier than a regular tummy tuck and can be done under local anesthesia a lot of times. Thanks for your question! Dr. Schreiber...Baltimore Plastic Surgeon see video

Abdominal Hematoma Scar

If this has not changed in five months, a surgical approach is most likely going to be needed to resolve this for you. If it is small sometimes these can improve with kenalog or ultrasound, but this seems to be a larger amount of scar tissue. Discuss with your surgeon. Best wishes