Will the pucker in my tummy tuck incision go away? (Photo)

Hi ksmeyer1,  Your appearance right now is very typical 3 weeks after a tummy tuck. Sometimes it may take up to a year for all the swelling to go down. Everything looks quite normal for where you are in your post-op course. Continue to take it easy and rest. The swelling should get a little better every week. If you want, call your doctor and let him/her know your concerns. Perhaps you can go in for a check and you will feel much better if you do,Best Wishes,Dr. Christine Rodgers

It can take a few months for your TT to heal. The appearance of your stomach will go through changes throughout the healing process, so as of now it’s a bit soon to tell if you should be concerned. An in-person examination with your surgeon would give you clear answers. They will be able to tell you how you’re healing. They can also recommend post op care instructions to help with scarring.

Thank you for your pictures.  In my opinion, your incision looks fine.  The slight puckering will flatten over time.  Best wishes.

It may take several
months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and
for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive
surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars
may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to
settle.

These can be improved
with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma.
Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow
with products such as Embrace.  On
occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment
including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.

The best thing to do if you have questions about the healing process is to visit your surgeon directly to have the area examined and make sure that everything is progressing well. Good luck.

Great question! Yes, the puckering you are noticing is normal following this procedure. All of your sutures will take a few months to 1 year to completely dissolve,  thus making your incision line flatter and more aesthetically pleasing.  I encourage you to continue to follow the post-operative instructions given to you by your board certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes!