Will the ripples at my Tummy Tuck scar smooth out? (photos)

Question

I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair 10 days ago and I am horrified at what I see. I have so much wrinkling going on at the incision and I'm really worried about it. When I look at images of other peoples tummy tucks I don't see the wrinkles like I have. Will they smooth out over time or is this a botched tummy tuck?

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

It's too soon to draw any conclusions. Relax. This type of closure usually results in this "bunching" up look. It will take  a few months for it to sooth out. Do not make a hast judgement and wait for 6-8 months. If at that time you look the same, then consider a scar revision. Good luck

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It is a little too early to evaluate your results as you are still early in the recovery process. You should wait a few months as the rippling may gradually flatten out.

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Even tgough it looks strange to you, the scar at 10 days out looks great.  It is very early on and you are going to have a wonderful outcome. Talk to your surgeon during the follow up as well.

Erik Hoy, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your cosmetic procedure. Your scar should improve over the next several months. In fact the scar will continue to mature for 9 to 12 months. I would expect these pleats or wrinkles to resolve, though this takes time.  All normal scars remodel to become softer and paler over time. Your best bet is to talk to your plastic surgeon to find out if there is a topical scar treatment or scar massage regimen that he or she recommends.  Everyone has a slightly different approach to scar treatment. In my practice I usually use a combination of topical vitamin E, scar massage, and silicone tape. But, it's best that you don't start any such regimen until you're ready. In the meantime, enjoy your result and good luck with your recovery! Best regards, Erik Hoy M.D.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The incision result is classic for uneven superior to inferior incisions. So "bunching" has occurred to close the incisions. Over the next 3 months this usually clears but if not than a scar revision would be in order...

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Your incision looks normal for ten days post op.  The problem is that the lower incision line is shorter than the upper incision line.  In order for your plastic surgeon to close your incision without leaving large pleats at either end it is necessary to pull it in a bit from the sides.  These creases are very common and will fade away over teh next 3  - 6 months.

Peter Kreymerman, MD, FACS · Answer

Your incision will improve with time.  Incisions continue to remodel for several months and yours will definitely improve.  Also consider massage and a silicone based scar cream.

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS · Answer

It is early in your healing process. This will likely improve in time with patience and aggressive massage. I would recommend discussion with your surgeon and follow up.  You will likely have a very nice result. Good luck

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although your concerns are understandable, is most likely that you will be pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure performed; “wrinkling” and skin contour irregularities tend to smooth out over the course of the first several months after tummy tuck surgery. Patience is definitely necessary as it will take many months and even up to one year to see the final outcome of the procedure performed. Best wishes.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You are very early after your tummy tuck surgery and I would not be worried.  In almost every case I have seen and 30 years the pleats that occur during closure pull out and become smooth after a few months.

Will the ripples at my Tummy Tuck scar smooth out? (photos)

Answers (10)

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