How to Fix New Dimple After Full Tummy Tuck?

Question

I had a full Tummy Tuck with muscle repair with hip Liposuction three weeks ago.  There were two drainage tubes on my pubic mound and got removed one week post-op.My right side where the drainage tube was is creating a dimple-like depression (sinkhole)and would like to know how to fix this before it becomes permanent. It looks rather deforming to my pubic structures.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the dimple-like depression you're experiencing following your tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction. It’s not uncommon for dimpling or small depressions to occur near the drainage sites after a tummy tuck, especially so soon after surgery (you mentioned it's been just three weeks). Here's what could be happening and how to address it:

The dimple you are noticing may be due to scar tissue formation or fat necrosis (a small area of fat tissue dying after surgery), both of which can cause localized depression in the skin. In your case, the dimple is at the site where your drainage tube was placed, which is a common area for such issues.

Here are a few options to address it:

Massage Therapy: Regular gentle massaging of the area can sometimes help break down scar tissue, improve blood flow, and smooth out the area. You can discuss this with your surgeon and ask about starting this once your surgeon gives you the go-ahead.

Steroid Injections: If the dimple is due to excessive scar tissue, steroid injections can sometimes help reduce the scar tissue, potentially improving the appearance of the dimple.

Fat Grafting: In cases where the depression does not improve on its own, a surgeon can perform a small procedure called fat grafting. This involves taking fat from another area of your body and injecting it into the dimple to fill the depression and create a smoother appearance.

Reevaluation by Your Surgeon: Since you're still early in your recovery, it’s important to continue follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon. Many post-op issues improve with time as the body heals and swelling resolves, but if the dimple persists or worsens, your surgeon can explore corrective options.

It’s always best to give your body more time to heal, especially this soon after surgery. However, make sure to keep in close contact with your surgeon and express your concerns during follow-ups.

Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daryl K. Hoffman, MD · Answer

Usually these type of dimples will smooth out.  Sometimes drains will leave scars that need to be revised but this is a rarity after only being in for a week.  Your surgeon will be able to advise you if the drain sites are healing normally.  Three weeks is to soon to evaluate or panic.

Richard Greco, MD · Answer

Most dimples are caused by swelling and scar tissue after Liposuction. It is important to massage the areas for 5 - 10 minutes 2 to 3 times per day until the area has been smoothed out and well healed. I believe if you are proactive, you will end up better off. If it doesn't heal well, it can be revised later.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

When the drain is pulled out, in a small number of patient the wound walls do not come together but are sometimes pulled deeper creating a dimpled area. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do with a drain site contracture short of allowing it to heal and mature. If once the wound is soft and mature the deformity is still there, it can be easily fixed in most cases with an office scar revision removing the depressed area and stitching the sides back together.
I hope this was helpful.

How to Fix New Dimple After Full Tummy Tuck?

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Answer: Fixing new dimple after full Tummy Tuck

Answer: Fixing new dimple after full Tummy Tuck

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How to Fix New Dimple After Full Tummy Tuck?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fixing new dimple after full Tummy Tuck

Answer: Fixing new dimple after full Tummy Tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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