1 year after mommy makeover - hardened scar tissue is now visible at incision site, will this go away with weight loss? (photos)

Question

I had a Mommy Makeover last December. There seems to be hardened fat or scar tissue under the skin where my tummy tuck scar is. It hasn't gone away. In fact, sometimes when I position my stomach in a certain way it seems to stick out. This is very concerning to me. Will this go away as I loose more weight?

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! In general, scars can take approximately 1 year to fully "mature". It is rare to see significant changes in the scar tissue around/after this timeframe. Areas of scar that feel firm/hard under the skin can happen after plastic surgery and there may be different causes. One cause may be scar tissue around the previous internal suture sites. Another may be scar tissue forming around fat cells called "fat necrosis." Options to alleviate these issues can range from massage to injections of steroids to a scar revision procedure. An in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a physical exam will help guide your diagnosis and options.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

I think some weight loss and some liposuction wound help significantly.  If that doesn't resolve everything, then re-excision of the scar and hardened areas may be needed.  Best Wishes!!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation to determine what may be causing the firmness you feel.  The solution depends on the cause.  Further weight loss may make it more visibly noticeable but rather than stop your weight loss journey I recommend exploring the cause.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Melbell85,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If it is actual hard scar tissue, it can be excised by your surgeon in the office under local anesthesia. Lossing weight may actually show it more. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

1 year after mommy makeover - hardened scar tissue is now visible at incision site, will this go away with weight loss? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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1 year after mommy makeover - hardened scar tissue is now visible at incision site, will this go away with weight loss? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

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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.