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.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Firmness after surgery is quite common and will often reach its peak at 6 weeks.  As long as nothing appears infected you are just fine, give it another 6  to 10 weeks and it will settle down.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. The changes you have described are very normal in the post op period you are in. You are still in the early stages of the healing process. In the initial phase after surgery, within the first three months, there is a period of inflammation and scarring that must occur in order for you to heal. The surgical areas will typically appear as swollen, "lumpy/bumpy", feel tender, tight, etc. Over ensuing months these processes will subside and the inflammatory process gives way to scar softening and remodeling. It is during this time that you will start to see your results appear and look more "natural" as the swelling dissipates and the soft tissues soften. I tell my patients that they will not see their final results for at least to 6 months. At this point I would recommend to be patient and continue close follow up with your plastic surgeon. This will allow you and your surgeon the chance to discuss your concerns and help allay any anxieties you may be experiencing. I hope this helps. Best wishes

James E. Leake, MD (retired) · Answer

what you are feeling is quite normal. it is the body's way it heals. the firmness is scar tissue that is securing the tissue in it's new position. the hardness and numbness you are feeling will improve as time progresses(it might take up to a whole year after surgery). certainly gentle massage will help to some degree.

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