Knots Under my Incision Scar

Thank you for your question.  Occasional painful sensations and palpable textural irregularities are common occurrences during the healing process after tummy tuck, and generally not great cause for concern.  The lumps you're feeling may be exactly what you call them - knots, from the dissolvable suture material used to close your incision, and possible your body's reaction to their presence.  If massage seems to be helping, by all means continue.  If you notice any knots or suture material protruding through the incision itself, let your plastic surgeon know, so that they may be removed without causing any further problems.

I would not massage these areas until the wounds are well healed, typically after 2 months.  There are scars and sutures  which can give you the lumps, neither of which are dangerous.

The knots are the deep sutures
healing and it is normal to feel them. The incisions will heal for several
weeks to months. You may even experience some coming out of the skin from time
to time, which is also normal. In a year your scars will heal and look great. I
hope this has helped.

Thank you for your question and for sharing your story.  Knots or other types of broader firmness are not uncommon to feel deep to the tissue.  This usually signifies inflammation and/or scar tissue that is forming.  Over the course the year, any scar tissue will remodel and very often the firmness or knots dissipates.  I would follow-up with your surgeon if the knots don't resolve or if they worsen (e.g. become red, tender, or bigger) as this may need intervention.  Otherwise, if they are getting better on their own with the passage of time, then continue to observe.

Congratulations on your tummy tuck!  What you are describing does not sound alarming.  As you have read from the others, it may very likely be a knot from a suture placed under the skin during the surgery.  You can continue with massaging or do nothing, they should resolve with time.  Please seek your surgeons advice if you start to have pain or redness.  Good luck!Sincerely,Dr. Michelle Spring

Hi Gurlurpriceless, Thank you for your questions about two knots under your tummy tuck incision line.  I believe that is exactly what this is, namely suture knots under your tummy tuck incision line. Typically, this is scar tissue around the absorbable sutures.  Massage, heat, and time will accelerate their disappearance.  Usually, during a tummy tuck there are four to five layers of sutures placed.  The deepest layer re-approxiamtes the rectus abdominis muscle layer.  In this layer, permanent suture is used.  Then, in the deep Scarpa's fascial layer, permanent or absorbable sutures are placed.  In the subdermal (under the skin) layer, many interrupted absorbable sutures are placed. In the intradermal (in the skin) layer,  one or two absorbable sutures are placed in a running technique. A running technique means that the suture is placed in the corner and is run to the other end of the incision.  I believe you are feeling the intradermal sutures. What you are experiencing all sounds normal.  However, just to be sure, please check with your plastic surgeon and express your concerns.  I hope that I have answered your questions about knots under your tummy tuck scar.  If you have any other questions regarding your tummy tuck, please contact my office.  sincerely, Dr. Katzen 

Dissolvable sutures are often used under the skin in tummy tucks. The knots are the last part of the suture to dissolve. Massage will often help speed up the dissolving process but occasionally scar tissue can form around the knot and leave a thickened lump that does not go away. Frequent follow up visits with your surgeon are always recommended. Good luck! 

It is not clear how long ago you had your surgery but it is normal to feel some firm areas under the scar for a few months. There are sutures that dissolve over weeks/months (sometimes they come through the surface and "spit"....easily removed with normal healing). There also can be areas of scarring within the deeper layers that feel "bumpy" and can be painful. Time and massage will take care of the majority of these issues.Be patient and follow up with your plastic surgeon for further reassurance.   

What you are describing as knots are probably dissolvable sutures your surgeon used to close your incision.  This is quite common to notice these, as it takes time for them to dissolve completely, especially where the knot is tied.  At your next post operative appointment you can point this out to your plastic surgeon and they may be able to help get rid of these sooner. 

Its not unusual for abdominoplasty incisions to be closed
with a series of absorbable sutures. 
These sutures typically resorb in 3-6 months following surgery.  During this process inflammatory
nodules can occasionally develop which are sometimes tender.

These nodules typically respond to massage and often
dissolve with the passage of time. 
It’s important to discuss this issue with your surgeon.  Your surgeon should be able to address this
problem and reassure you.