Extreme puckering of incision. Will this flatten?

Question

I am 6 days PO from TT and have been following my PS advice. The steri-strips just came off incision today and I have been wearing my binder 23hrs/day. I am concerned of this puckering and wrinkling at the end of my incision. It seems quite extreme. I also had lipo to flanks. Will this flatten? Is this something I should concern my PS with this early on? My follow up is on 11/30/18 and my PS is 3 hrs away. The rest of my incision looks great and is very flat.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You are very early in your recovery, it is most likely your incision will flatten out in time, which may be 6 months or more. Tell your surgeon of your concerns, but allow time for healing. Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I know it's hard to be patient but you are very early in your recovery and can expect changes ahead.  Skin puckering will typically flatten out as healing progresses and swelling resolves.  This may take a few months.  Be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon at your appointment.

Nicholas Jones, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  You are very early in your postoperative period and "bunching" up along the incision is common especially when the edges of the wound are not the same size.  "Bunching" the skin is often necessary to avoid a dog ear at the lateral most point of your incision scar.  Over time the scars typically flatten out, the healing process can take 6 months to a year.It is important to follow-up with your plastic surgeon at regular intervals and adhere to the post-op instructions.I hope this helps, make sure you are evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation and for recommendations.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, you may be amazed at how much the incision line will smoothen out over the course of the next year. Time and patience will very likely be your best friends here. Best wishes.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You are extremely early in recovery to worry about this yet.  It can take 6-8 months to settle down and smooth out.  I typically recommend gentle massage to the area, but would suggest you follow up with your surgeon and follow their recommendations.  Best of luck to you.

Extreme puckering of incision. Will this flatten?

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Extreme puckering of incision. Will this flatten?

Answers (9)

Answer: Extreme puckering of tummy tuck incision.

Answer: Extreme puckering of tummy tuck incision.

Answer: Post op tt

Answer: Post op tt

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.