I am curious about the indentation on abdominal after tummy tuck last year. (photos)

Question

It has been 11 months since my surgery and I seem to have developed an indentation that completely separates my left from right. It is from right under my greasy line thru my belly button. When I stand up straight it looks as if I have no belly button.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

This problem is often caused by plication of the fascia, and can be helped by redoing the operation with wider undermining and lateral positioning of the flaps.Obviously this type of procedure is a bit more complex than a first time abdominoplasty so make sure your prospective surgeon is comfortable with the diagnosis and has treated this condition before.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. The indentation happens in athletic people or it can be created during surgery. It is called the "Champagne line". In your case, since there was minimal to no liposuction of your abdomen, you show two rolls of fat on either side of the line. At this point you can have liposuction of your abdomen, waist, hips and possibly back to give you a more hourglass figure and a more natural look to the epigastric line depression. Talk to your surgeon about your concerns. Good luck.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

the overlying skin is brought to the midline and will crease as it has in your situation.  Undermining of tissue during the procedure attempts to spread it out but sometimes its just not possible.  So to improve this, aggressive liposuction of the vertical rolls adjacent to the crease will flatten it, or you could have a revision abdominoplasty where the skin is pulled more straight down and now dog ears form at the lateral ends of the incisions.  So make sure your surgeon can deliver on what you expect before having more procedures.

Ege Ozgentas, MD · Answer

Dear alikerley, 
This may be result of some factors and I think it will stay. However in can be treated without opening your abdomen. Consult with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos.  The indentation above your belly button can be caused by a number of factors.  Sometimes, that indentation is created on purpose (although not to the extent that you have shown).  To do so one of two things can be done:-liposuction of the area to create the identation-release of the superficial fascial layer to create the indentationTo repair that indentation, liposuction of the area on either side of the indentation can be performed and fat transfer to the indentation itself can be performed at the same time.Good luck with the remainder of your recovery.Dr. Remus Repta

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I am curious about the indentation on abdominal after tummy tuck last year. (photos)

Answers (5)

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU