I am 5 days post op after a tummy tuck and worried about the line in the middle? (photo)

Question

Worried about the outcome 5 days post op. of my belly button? does it look Normal? Do you think it will look better once the swelling goes down or would I need a revision? Very concerned about the outcome, anything I can do to make it improved?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear naiay,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

Christine Fisher, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thanks for your question and the photo. At five days post-op, you still have plenty of recovery time ahead of you — which means you also have plenty of time for your results to change, settle and become more natural-looking. Rest assured that it is still much too soon to be concerned about what you see. In all likelihood, the area around your navel will become smoother as your swelling goes down and as your skin adjusts to its new positioning.You can always contact your plastic surgeon to ask them about the recovery process and ensure that you are healing as expected. Your surgeon may also have suggestions on how to reduce swelling more quickly or how to nourish your body and skin as you heal. Good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. At 5 days you are still very early in your recovery process. There is still a lot of swelling present. It can take up to six months for all the swelling to go down. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions.

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello,5 days is too early to tell what the result will be. It is likely that the line is due to sutures placed to hold your abdominal skin down to your abdomen while it heals and from cinching in your waist. I would recommend talking to your surgeon about this as he/she will be able to best inform you. It looks like you will have a nice result but have to be patient. All the best in your recovery,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

James E. Chappell, MD · Answer

It would of course be best to discuss this with your surgeon, but I would venture to say that you lost a lot of weight (50 lbs +) prior to surgery and the skin did not bounce back as much as it could have.  A regular tummy tuck will subtract skin in the vertical dimension, but not the horizontal direction.  Your surgeon might have offered a "fleur-de-lis" tummy tuck which would have also taken out some of the skin in the horizontal direction.  That would have added a long vertical scar (instead of the line you are seeing).  As it's a big scar and scars are permanent I often tell the patient I'm willing to forego the vertical part and they can always come back and have the tummy tuck revised IF the vertical crease/line doesn't eventually go away.  I tell them we'd wait it out and see how it looks in 6-12 months.   That way the patient has some buy-in in that decision. I would tell you the same thing at this point, but defer to your surgeon.  Best of luck to you, and Happy Holidays!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I know it's hard to be patient but more time is needed.  You are very early in your recovery and can expect changes as tissues heal and swelling resolves.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  It can take up to a year to see your final results.

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; once it goes down, your belly's looks will improve.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

At five days, it is way too early to judge your results of your tummy tuck. Swelling can take months to resolve and you need time to heal. Talk to your plastic surgeon if you are concerned. Until then, keep walking and drink plenty of fluids to keep the swelling down.

Marcus Davis, MBBS, MRM, FRCSEd (Plast) · Answer

Dear Naiay,
Firstly, congratulations on your recent surgery. 
Please feel reassured that you are only 5 days after your surgery and will for sometime have some swelling of your soft tissues - this will gradually reduce and then you will see your final result, but this can take multiple weeks and months to occur.
Stay in regular much with your surgeon and their team, follow their instructions, but most of all have a little patience and i'm sure you will be happy with the outcome of your surgery.
Wishing you well for 2019.
Marcus

Ahmed Abd EL Gawad, MD, FEBOPRAS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi 
Thanks for sending your photo. The pictures if you don’t mention that this Crease  is caused mainly by the binder. There is nothing serious to worry about for the time being. Once the swelling goes down your skin will settle down

I am 5 days post op after a tummy tuck and worried about the line in the middle? (photo)

Answers (10)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Can Someone have a vaginal delivery after a tummy tuck?

I’m 10 DPO from full TT, muscle repair and Lipo to flanks. Is tummy supposed to be firm right after a tummy tuck? (photo)

Will my fitness improve with a tummy tuck? Am I too skinny for my results to look natural? (photos)

Can I get a TT and J pouch surgery?

Circumferential tummy tuck? Standard? Extended? Fleur de lis? (photos)

How should I care for fleur de lis tummy tuck? How to get liquid that is trapped? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS