Is hardening under Tummy tuck incision normal?

Question

I am 6 weeks post op and there are areas under my scar, particularly in the center under belly button, that have hardened quite a bit. If I press down or touch that area, it feels like a hard length of rope under the scar. Is that normal? Should I do anything - massage or anything else to make it better? My whole stomach below my belly button is also still numb feeling 6 weeks post op. Is that normal?

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

What you describe is very common. After the initial stages of healing take place, the healing tissue can feel firm or "indurated" for many months.  This typically resolves over time. The area that you describe in the central part of the incision, below the belly button,is the area that is under the most closure tension and has the poorest blood flow. There is a condition called fat necrosis that sometimes develops if the blood flow to the fat below the skin is not adequate.  You are too early in the healing process to make any determinations at this time. I would not worry about it. It sounds like you are healing normally. Gentle massage or a warming pad to the area can increase circulation and is recommended by some surgeons. Discuss this with your surgeon.  Best wishes!

Christopher Park, MD · Answer

very normal to feel hardness under the incision. this can be a combination of swelling, suture inflammation, or fat necrosis.  usually this will resolve on its own.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It is very common to have the changes you note after a tummy tuck/abdominoplasty. There is often a substantial amount of swelling and firmness in and around the incision site for the first several months after the operation. That said, there maybe areas of fat necrosis in the abdomen as well, but this is quite rare!I suggest that you stay in close contact with your surgeon.I wish you the best.Dr. Gabbay.

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.   You are probably experiencing normal swelling and healing.   This could also be fat necrosis or suture reaction, which should improve on its own.   If you see any increased swelling, redness, drainage, or fever, contact your plastic surgeon immediately.  All the best.

John Dean, MD · Answer

Numbness after a tummy tuck typically persists for months and is normal.  The hard knots that you are feeling may be the sutures used to tighten the stretched out muscle layer.  It doesn't sound concerning to me, at this point, as long as you have no associated symptoms of infection.

Is hardening under Tummy tuck incision normal?

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Answer: Swelling and Hardness after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Swelling and Hardness after Tummy Tuck

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Is hardening under Tummy tuck incision normal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling and Hardness after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Swelling and Hardness after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Post op changes

Answer: Post op changes

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.