Will the puckering around my scar go away? I am nervous that it will not, or get worse. Please advise, details below. (Photo)

Question

I am 1 week post op having full TT with Lipo in front and flanks and muscle repair. Will these pleats/puckers go away? Or is there a chance they won't?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thanks for the picture. This is not unusual. This slight excess of skin (pleat) will soften over the next several months. Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS,FACS

Thomas A. Pane, MD · Answer

I am willing to guess you had a decent amount of extra skin prior to the surgery.  The upper incision was longer than the lower one, and that is the reason for the wrinkling.  This usually, but will not always, subside with time.  Your surgeon should be able to give you care instructions to help things smooth out. You won't know the final result for several months, so try to be patient.

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Most surgeons accept a little pleating at the ends of the incision since pulling the skin toward the center like that helps narrow the waist for most patients. The only way to get rid of the pleating entirely is to make the incision much longer. The appearance should be much better within 6-12 weeks, and they go away completely in most patients by 6-9 months after surgery. If not, you can have a small revision under local anesthesia in the office. Most surgeons will do this at no charge or for a small fee just to cover supplies like sutures. Pleating appearance aside, I think your result looks very good for the first week, and it's likely you'll be very happy with your result, even if a revision is needed.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

“Puckering” and other types of incision line irregularities are commonly seen after tummy tuck surgery surgery during the first few weeks/months post op.   You will find that this appearance  will improve (smoothen out) significantly on a weekly/monthly basis ( don't check it on a daily basis).Continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

One week post op you look pretty normal.  The irregularities and pleats  will generally smooth out over time.  This may take 6 ti 9 months.  Follow the advice of your plastic surgeon as far as wound care.

Victor Ferrari, MD, FACS · Answer

In most cases, your degree of "puckering" should resolve over the next few months.  If not, it can easily be revised under local anesthesia.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

If after 3 months not gone the you would need a revision. Best to discuss with your surgeon in person..//

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

It is still VERY early in your postoperative period so definitely not time to worry about scars yet (but we do understand the concerns of course!!).  Scars will continue to fade, soften, and mature for a year after surgery.  At this early time point you are still swollen and typically any small irregularities with a scar will improve as it heals with time.  If not, your surgeon will likely help you with improving the appearance of the scar and occasionally lasers can also be used to help.  Give it some time :)

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At one week post-op you are way too early to see the final result. It is likely that may of those pleats will settle but you have to give it time.

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It is common for your to have swelling and fluid retention this early in the healing process. This keeps your scar from laying flat. It can easily take 3-6 months to see results. Follow up with your doctor for his advice and evaluation. Good luck! Dean Vistnes.

Will the puckering around my scar go away? I am nervous that it will not, or get worse. Please advise, details below. (Photo)

Answers (11)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Can a General Surgeon be just as good as a plastic surgeon to carry out an Abdominoplastry?

Do I need a tummy tuck? And what hurts more a bbl or a tt? (Photo)

How can I shape my belly button while it's healing? (Photo)

What is an anchor tummy tuck? (Photo)

I'm 5'5" 215 pounds no health issues, is a tummy tuck a possibility for my height and weight?

Does a plastic surgeon offer monthly payments for a tummy tuck?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS