Knots Under my Incision Scar

Thank you for your question.  Occasional painful sensations and palpable textural irregularities are common occurrences during the healing process after tummy tuck, and generally not great cause for concern.  The lumps you're feeling may be exactly what you call them - knots, from the dissolvable suture material used to close your incision, and possible your body's reaction to their presence.  If massage seems to be helping, by all means continue.  If you notice any knots or suture material protruding through the incision itself, let your plastic surgeon know, so that they may be removed without causing any further problems.

I would not massage these areas until the wounds are well healed, typically after 2 months.  There are scars and sutures  which can give you the lumps, neither of which are dangerous.

Thank you for your question and for sharing your story.  Knots or other types of broader firmness are not uncommon to feel deep to the tissue.  This usually signifies inflammation and/or scar tissue that is forming.  Over the course the year, any scar tissue will remodel and very often the firmness or knots dissipates.  I would follow-up with your surgeon if the knots don't resolve or if they worsen (e.g. become red, tender, or bigger) as this may need intervention.  Otherwise, if they are getting better on their own with the passage of time, then continue to observe.

Congratulations on your tummy tuck!  What you are describing does not sound alarming.  As you have read from the others, it may very likely be a knot from a suture placed under the skin during the surgery.  You can continue with massaging or do nothing, they should resolve with time.  Please seek your surgeons advice if you start to have pain or redness.  Good luck!Sincerely,Dr. Michelle Spring

Hi Gurlurpriceless, Thank you for your questions about two knots under your tummy tuck incision line.  I believe that is exactly what this is, namely suture knots under your tummy tuck incision line. Typically, this is scar tissue around the absorbable sutures.  Massage, heat, and time will accelerate their disappearance.  Usually, during a tummy tuck there are four to five layers of sutures placed.  The deepest layer re-approxiamtes the rectus abdominis muscle layer.  In this layer, permanent suture is used.  Then, in the deep Scarpa's fascial layer, permanent or absorbable sutures are placed.  In the subdermal (under the skin) layer, many interrupted absorbable sutures are placed. In the intradermal (in the skin) layer,  one or two absorbable sutures are placed in a running technique. A running technique means that the suture is placed in the corner and is run to the other end of the incision.  I believe you are feeling the intradermal sutures. What you are experiencing all sounds normal.  However, just to be sure, please check with your plastic surgeon and express your concerns.  I hope that I have answered your questions about knots under your tummy tuck scar.  If you have any other questions regarding your tummy tuck, please contact my office.  sincerely, Dr. Katzen 

Dissolvable sutures are often used under the skin in tummy tucks. The knots are the last part of the suture to dissolve. Massage will often help speed up the dissolving process but occasionally scar tissue can form around the knot and leave a thickened lump that does not go away. Frequent follow up visits with your surgeon are always recommended. Good luck!