Why does my tummy tuck scar look like this? (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck performed on 4/22/19. I am very worried that something is going on. I have wen compression garments 24/7 but continue to have a fullness in my belly. I also have a vertical line that extends above belly button and also bellow the belly button. PS thinks that lipo will solve the bulge and vertical line. After viewing many TT pics, I haven’t seen one that looks like mine! Any ideas as to what is causing bulge and vertical line?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Imaginative6476,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a tummy tuck surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Thank you for your pictures. However, only an in person examination can provide you with a proper assessment of your bulge. Follow up with your surgeon as he knows you best. If concerns persist, please visit a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear that your results have not been what you anticipated.  It is difficult without an in-person examination of your tissues to know what the fullness of your stomach is - most commonly still swelling at only a month after surgery.  It could also represent a fluid collection, persistent adipose, or muscle laxity.  As for the vertical creasing, that could be due to how your surgeon pleated the skin to help minimize scarring while if there is a distinct vertical incision that was likely due to not having sufficient loose skin.  At this point you need to allow your results to mature for at least 6-12 months so that a better idea about the need for a revision is known, but discuss your concerns with your surgeon as they know the full details of your procedure.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You are very early in your recovery and have swelling present.  This is expected and will be present for several more weeks.  You won't see your final results from a tummy tuck for 9-12 months from surgery.  If the fullness persists and it is believed to be fat pockets your surgeon should be able to improve the result with liposuction.

Jeremy S. Hurren, BSc, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

It would require an in person examination to make an adequate assessment of your abdomen. Before pictures would be very helpful.  I suggest you discuss this with your PS or have a second opinion from a suitably qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.Fullness after TT is most likely to be one or more of:1) A fluid collection called a seroma. This will usually reabsorb but sometimes needs to be removed called aspiration.2) Fluid in the tissues called oedema. This will usually settle down on its own with time a few weeks to month. It can not be aspirated because it is in the tissues.3) Residual fat under the skin. The amount of fat under the skin varies from one person to another and from one place to another on the body. Excess fat can be removed with liposuction.4) Bulging of the muscle layer of the body.Vertical lineThe vertical line is more difficult with out more information. However, one suggestion is that there was a mismatch between the lower part of the incision and the upper part with the upper part being longer. As the upper part was sewn into the lower there was a residual skin in the upper so this has formed a fold. It is possible that a Fleur de Lys abdo. would have been a better option removing skin in a vertical and horizontal direction. This is just a suggestion as in the absence of pre op photos and an in person examination it is not possible to give you a personal opinion.Another possibility is that you have a vertical scar from where your belly button used to be and that this has become tethered to the muscle layer of your body.As it is only  a month following your surgery you will probably find it will change with time so you will need to wait to assess the final result of your surgery.Best wishes

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

Was your surgery performed by an experienced plastic surgeon? Without seeing before photos, it is a little difficult to comment/criticise too much. But it appears that not enough tissue has been removed from your central area and that the wound has been closed with gathering of the upper part.  Liposuction +/- further tissue excision is likely to help. This could be done either horizontally or vertically (fleur de lis) but you would need to be examined to adequately assess.  It would also be best to wait another month or 2 to further allow your body time to heal.  All the best

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Without seeing before posted photos very hard to determine the exact operation preformed. Best to obtain your before photos from your surgeon.

Why does my tummy tuck scar look like this? (photos)

Answers (7)

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