Deep Crease Left in Stomach after vaser liposuction - can this be fixed without a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

I had vaser on 10th November 2022. I had a searing pain under my breasts when I woke up but assumed it was normal. On the two week check up when the compression was removed there was a deep crease in that area. I was told it was scar tissue that would flatten out. I follwed the post surgery instructions with massages. 6 months later the crease was still there, I was told it was still scar tissue and it was injected with cortisone. 1 year later it was still there, I was told that it was still flattening out. Its now 3 years later. It was injected with PBS (I think he said) which has loosened the scar tissue but the deep crease is still there and now Im being told I need a tummy tuck to fix it and I have to pay for that. Is there anything I can do to fix this that isnt so invasive?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person evaluation is best, but from the submitted photos it appears a tummy tuck would be the best option.  This would remove excess fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity.  The overall contour would be improved with a flatter, tighter tummy appearance.  The next step is to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

Because 1 of the main problems is too much skin, probably only a tummy tuck will fully or partially correct this depression.  I would need an examination to determine how much scar tissue is present and how much this could be released for a good result.  Good luck.

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

A carefully planned liposuction combined with skin tightening treatments such as laser or radiofrequency may help create the improvement you are looking for without a major operation. On the other hand, a tummy tuck would give the flattest and most predictable result, but it also means accepting a lower abdominal scar. The key here is to weigh the pros and cons based on your own priorities and expectations.
&mdash; Güray Yesiladali, MD

Tuan A Truong, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on the submitted photographs, there does appear to be excess skin and laxity. A tummy tuck will certainly help improve the contour as well as address any diastasis recti. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you go through your options if you desire a 2nd opinion other than your original surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make a quality assessment regarding the outcome of any plastic surgery procedure we need to see proper before and after pictures.
If you don’t have before, and after pictures, then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
Are you in an upright standing position in the pictures you are showing?I’m guessing you had mild to moderate skin laxity before the procedure. 
Skin laxity is probably the number one reason patience failed to get quality Liposuction outcomes.
Some plastic surgeons attempt to do high definition Liposuction, where they purposely remove all the fat at muscle intersections, trying to create muscle definition.
Perhaps that was the case with you.
We can’t really tell much from the limited information included.
A tummy tuck is the correct treatment for abdominal skin laxity.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Deep Crease Left in Stomach after vaser liposuction - can this be fixed without a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Answers (5)