Is my Tummy Tuck Scar Normal?

I am three weeks post tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo of the flank area. I've noticed and inconsistensy in the way my scar looks. On the left side there is a bulge of skin and it kind of over hangs. I'm just curious if this is normal and if it will flatten out within the next few months. I've attached pictures as a reference.

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by 9215anon in st louis mo

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Tummy tuck scar concerns

Thank you for the question and picture. At this point in time of your recovery, it is normal for your incision to appear puckered, raised, and/or asymmetric. As the internal sutures dissolve, the scar will relax, flatten, and straighten out. During the first 2-4 months, the incision may look dark, pink, or red. It may take several months before you see a significant improvement in the appearance of the scar. However, with tincture of time, the scar will usually fade and flatten out.... more

Tummy tuck scar

At three weeks it is way too early to see the final results of the scar. Besides, there is often alot of swelling taht should subside that may contribute to your concerns.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Appearance of tummy tuck

It is likely and appears that you still have swelling in the lower abdomen. This may take 3 months to resolve and it is worsened by tight waisted garments worn around the umbilicus see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Normal Tummy Tuck Scar

I recommend letting it heal awhile to see if it will end up flattening out. Tummy Tuck procedures can take quite a bit of time until the final result is evident . Sometimes a revision to these types of procedures is necessary but you need to give it more time to heal properly before deciding on another surgery.

the appearance of a tummy tuck scar

A tummy tuck scar can take up to one year or even longer to fully mature. This means the color will lighten and the scar will flatten as the scar ages. You can apply special silicone scar gels and tapes to the scar to expedite the healing process. If by one year, you are unhappy with the appearance of your scar, you can discuss with your surgeon the possibility of revising the scar. This typically involves cutting out the scar and reclosing it such that the final... more

Tummy Tucks take time to "mature"

I often caution my patients about expecting too much too soon. A tummy tuck will look very gruesome for about 6 weeks and will not really be at its final result for about 6-9 months. There is typically a lot of swelling and redness of the incision. Irregularities will be prominent due to swelling and additional contouring procedures performed in conjunction with tummy tucks. It is not uncommon for the tummy tuck scar to stretch due to tension on the wound especially in the... more