12 Days Post Op, Have Pleats on my Incision, Will They Need Revision? (photo)

Question

I weigh 117, did not have a pouch/apron, so there wasn't much to work with. I believe its why I'm on day 12 and still walk hunched over. I wonder if I'm going to likely be needing a revision due to the pleats on the ends of the incisions. Also, where the old belly button is fitted into the TT incision looks a bit haphazard, and there are vertical pleats which crease upwards from the source of that. I am happy that I have a new belly button, and I'd trade my old belly for a crazy scar any day.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and pic. You look great at this early date. Everything should soften and smooth out. You can massage the scar to expedite things. Best of Luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I think the contour irregularities will completely smooth out with time. However there appears to be too small dogears which probably will not.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Since it's only been a few days from your surgery, you should wait several more months to see your final results.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Relax, those pleats should go away. They appear more prominent now because of the swelling. Follow your surgeon's instructions.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

These pleats are very common and are due to the upper incision being longer than the lower incision. A common plastic surgical trick is arrange the skin to prevent a bunching at the end. These pleats will go down over the first 6 months or so. Just massage and give it time.

12 Days Post Op, Have Pleats on my Incision, Will They Need Revision? (photo)

Answers (10)