14 MPO- Is this ridge above incision ever going to flatten out?

Question

14 months post op and my stomach has never laid flat. I am worried that I’ll always have this ridge above my incision. What is the fix for this? I’m scheduled for an ultrasound Tuesday to see what the status of hard seroma is. Could that be part of it?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This could be a seroma cavity due to healing issues, a possible hernia, abdominal wall laxity due to abdominal wall weakness, and asymmetric fat constitution, among others.   The plastic surgeon will be able to determine this upon examination and recommend a path forward.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, an ultrasound is good idea.  It will tell if you have a fluid collection, scar tissue, fat, or muscle separation and pooching, etc  good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear cmgswan,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after 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

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thomas A. Pane, MD · Answer

This far out from the surgery, it is unlikely to change.  This could be due to subcutaneous fat present in the area of the flap, or there was more laxity of the abdominal wall.  It is possible to improve this, with either liposuction or reinforcing the lower abdominal wall.  You'd need an exam to better define the situation and assess options.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The visit with your surgeon should provide more answers.  There are several possibilities as to the cause of the contour and the treatment will vary based on the cause.  If it is fat, some liposuction may help improve the contour.  If it is seroma then it will improve once it is resolved.  If it is scar tissue it may soften over time and lay more flat.

Arch Miller, MD · Answer

well your incision looks like it is healing nicely. The lymphatic drainage from abdomen goes from skin into  groin area and into major ducts deeply . This normal drainage is interrupted and incision line is swollen.you can wear a compression belt we use for breasts along that ridge to speed up the resolution of the swelling.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after tummy tuck surgery.  It is likely, that at 14 months post op, you are seeing the final outcome of the procedure performed.  In other words,  it is not likely that you will see significant further changes. How to improve your outcome will depend on exactly what is causing the area of prominence. For example, if there is a chronic seroma present, surgical  exploration and excision of a seroma "bursa"  may be necessary.  If, on the other hand, the prominence is caused by excess adipose tissue and/or skin, further skin excision and/or liposuction surgery may be necessary. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with longer term.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

i would be surprised if it was a seroma. I suspect scar tissue but you will get the answer on Tuesday and then you can discuss it with your PS.david berman md

14 MPO- Is this ridge above incision ever going to flatten out?

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