What can be done to help not to have tight indentation where tummy tuck scar is? (photos)

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. Although your pictures do not demonstrate the indentation sufficiently to offer the best advice, most likely a scar revision can be done to improve upon your results. Seek out second opinions in your area.

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Dear miaskinny,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tight indentation or a depressed area near the tummy tuck scar can occur due to various factors, including the surgical technique used, individual healing patterns, and post-operative care. While it's important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a personalized assessment and recommendations, here are some general suggestions to help minimize the risk of tight indentation:1.) Choose an Experienced Surgeon: Ensure that your surgeon is highly experienced and board-certified in plastic surgery. Experienced surgeons are more likely to have the skills to minimize post-surgery complications.2.) Discuss Your Concerns: During your consultation, discuss your concerns with your surgeon. They can assess your specific situation and take measures during the surgery to reduce the risk of indentation.3.) Proper Incision Placement: Work with your surgeon to determine the optimal placement of the incision. The incision should be positioned low on the abdomen and designed to follow natural body contours to help reduce the visibility of scarring and prevent irregularities.4.) Tension-Free Closure: The surgeon should use techniques to minimize tension on the incision site during closure. Tension can contribute to irregular healing and the development of indentations.5.) Liposuction Techniques: If liposuction is performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck, your surgeon should use careful and precise techniques to avoid creating irregularities. Liposuction should be used sparingly in areas near the incision site.6.) Proper Wound Care: Follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions diligently. This may include cleaning the incision site, keeping it dry, and applying any prescribed ointments or dressings to promote proper healing.7.) Compression Garments: Wearing compression garments as directed by your surgeon can help support the tissues and minimize swelling, which can reduce the risk of indentations.8.) Scar Massage: After the initial healing period, gentle scar massage can help soften and flatten the scar tissue. Your surgeon or a qualified therapist can provide guidance on proper scar massage techniques.9.) Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy diet and regular exercise can help improve blood circulation and promote overall healing. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.10.) Give It Time: Patience is crucial when it comes to the healing process after a tummy tuck. Scar maturation can take up to a year or more, and some indentations may naturally improve over time.It's essential to have realistic expectations and consult with your surgeon about any concerns during the post-operative follow-up appointments. In some cases, corrective procedures may be necessary, but it's best to address any issues with your surgeon to determine the most appropriate course of action.

An in person evaluation is best, but if the incision is causing contour irregularities you can consider a scar revision. If there is a ridge of fat, that can typically be corrected with liposuction under local anesthesia.

Hi, thank you for your question and photos.
The two photos that you sent are from sides, so it gives an opinion but more photos from different angles will help us understand your complaint in a 3 dimensional way.
The bulging that is just above your scar looks more likely to be from rectus muscle diastasis (widening). Even if the muscle is repaired during operation, in some patients this bulging comes back again. So in these patients a re-repair might be considered.

It's hard to see all the details you describe from this one photo where you don't see her underside which you mention as her main concern. However, from what you say, you appreciate a bulge that is resolved with liposuction if you feel extra fat when you pinch it. But if there is obviously still excess skin, the solution is to cut that excess and redistribute the tension of your skin.

Thanks for the questions and photos. A physical exam would answer whether a lower abdominal liposuction would solve your issue or are the muscles not tight enough.
Dr Taranow

Based upon the side view only posted photos I recommend lipo 360 to try to improve your abdomen. Fees usually fro $5,000-$8,000. Best to virtual consult with...

It’s really hard to make an assessment of the outcome of your procedure from the two pictures you’ve included.
Lacking results after a tummy tuck especially if it’s regarding abdominal wall bulging is often due to excess visceral fat pushing against the muscle wall. In that sense your surgeon is probably right that weight loss would improve their results. This could be true whether your procedure was well done or not.
To assess if this was a quality procedure probably requires an in person assessment.
In the end each surgeon is responsible for the surgical outcome and patients are responsible for their selection of surgeons.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD