I feel a hard line running from a little under my breasts to my navel, is that my muscle repair? Is that normal?

Question

My PS is not available now to answer my question. I am 7 months post-op from an extended tummy tuck with MR and had no complications. I am not in any pain but I feel a hard line (down the center of my stomach) that runs from a little under my breast to my navel. It's not extending or protruding.Is that my muscle repair?, it doesn't hurt but it feels strange. Thank you for taking time to answer my question.

David Liland, MD · Answer

Your description does sound like the muscle repair in the midline with firm scar tissue currently. This usually will soften somewhat over time. Fortunately it is not painful and has not affected you outcome.

Scott W. Harris, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with others that this does represent the muscle repair site and that it will most likely improve. However, how much it will improve may be related to the type of suture that was used to perform the muscle tightening. The reason for mentioning this is that I have noticed more softening of this area if dissolvable suture was used as opposed to permanent suture. Not a lot of difference, but just a little. The other thing that affects how easy it is to feel the line is how thin you are... so the thinner you are the more you will feel this line.This concludes my hard line on your hard line. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

That does sound like your muscle repair though it is unusual for this to be able to be felt.  However, if you have a very thin upper abdominal flap, either from being thin to begin with or from liposuction) then this could be present.  At 7 months, I don't know that this will go away.  At least there is no associated pain.Have a good weekend and take care.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

This sounds like the muscle repair.  It should not be a specific concern if all you feel is hardness in the area.

Enrique Hanabergh, Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for asking your question. The line you feel is likely the fascia plication (muscle repair) your surgeon performed. Swelling of the overlying skin can take quite a few months to resolve and that's why you probably didn't notice it before. Whether or not it will persist is unknown. For some patients is smooths out and for others it will always be there. Make sure you contact your surgeon when he is available so that he can examine you and confirm that is what you feel.Take care and enjoy your new tummy!

I feel a hard line running from a little under my breasts to my navel, is that my muscle repair? Is that normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: Muscle Repair

Answer: Muscle Repair

Answer: Vertical Ridge

Answer: Vertical Ridge

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

I feel a hard line running from a little under my breasts to my navel, is that my muscle repair? Is that normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: Muscle Repair

Answer: Muscle Repair

Answer: Vertical Ridge

Answer: Vertical Ridge

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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.