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.

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.

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.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. I would expect this pleating to smooth and resolve given sufficient time.  I would mention it to your surgeon at your next follow up but first allow your results more time to mature.  Hang in there!

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.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

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.

Anthony Buglino, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photos. In view of your photos, it appears your PS closed the incision in a way to try and avoid a extended resulting scar. Although there are no guarantees, these small folds tend to flatten over time. Just be patient, but always voice concerns with your plastic surgeon.

Krishna Dash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery.  You are still very early in your recovery. A small amount of puckering of the incision is common and will flatten out after about 3 months.  Any residual skin excess at the incision ends that does not resolve can usually be treated with an easy in office procedure.
In terms of the liposuction done in the flanks, swelling in this area is very normal. This swelling takes  some time to resolve and usually flattens out very nicely.    
Good luck with your recovery!

Extreme puckering of incision. Will this flatten?

Answers (9)