Hardened Tissue After Tummy Tuck

While tissue edema can definitely contribute to areas of fullness and firmness after an abdominoplasty, this phenomenon should be well resolved by the time frame you are referencing (3 years). It may be fat necrosis, scar, poor midline tissue redraping, seroma, ventral hernia, et cetera. I would recommend meeting with your board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and possible solutions. 

Hello Shelia Ann, thank you for your question regarding hardened tissue after your tummy tuck. Experiencing hardened tissue several years after a tummy tuck can be a common occurrence and is often due to scar tissue formation or fibrosis. Scar tissue can develop and sometimes become more noticeable over time, leading to areas of firmness or hardness under the skin.

There are a few approaches you can take to help soften this hardened tissue:

Massage Therapy: Regularly massaging the hardened areas can help to break down scar tissue and improve blood circulation. Using gentle, circular motions with a moisturizing lotion or oil can be beneficial. This should be done consistently over time for the best results.

Ultrasound Therapy: Some physical therapists offer ultrasound treatments that can help to break down scar tissue and soften hardened areas. This non-invasive therapy uses sound waves to penetrate deep into the tissues, promoting healing and flexibility.

Scar Tissue Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce the hardness of scar tissue. This treatment should be administered by a qualified medical professional.

Consulting with a Plastic Surgeon: It may be helpful to follow up with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns. They can provide a thorough evaluation and may recommend additional treatments such as laser therapy or further surgical interventions if necessary.

Remember, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments to ensure they are appropriate for your specific situation.

Good luck, and I hope this helps address your concerns about the hardened tissue after your tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Thank you for your question.  Three years after surgery, the scars should be matured and healed.  This could be scar build-up and an evaluation by your plastic surgeon to determine if any thing can be done to treat this problem.

The hardness in the area beneath your umbilicus is probably
related to fat necrosis and scar formation.  This phenomena occurs because of compromised blood flow to
the involved area.  In the initial
phases of wound healing some remodeling can be expected, but after 12-18 months
these changes are more or less permanent without secondary surgery. 

                  It’s
hard to make a recommendation without performing a physical exam.   Depending on the results of this
exam a variety of options may be available.  In some cases revision abdominoplasty may be necessary,
while in other cases surgery may not be an option.

                   If
you’re concerned about this problem, consultation with a board certified
plastic surgeon is appropriate. 
This surgeon should be able to make an appropriate recommendation.

The hardness you are experiencing is normal a few months after surgery but not 3 years. I would recommend you contact your surgeon and be evaluated to be sure that nothing is wrong. Best of luck.