13 days post op, is it normal for a tummy tuck incision to look like this? I was not expecting it to be so bunchy and lumpy.

Question

I am 13 days post-op for tummy tuck to correct diastasic recti & hernia repair.My surgeon removed the dressing so I could see the incision for the first time 3 days ago. I was shocked @ what I saw. I was not expecting so many lumps & bumps. My Dr says this will all smooth out within 3-6 months but I don't see how that's possible. Can you explain if it is normal for an incision to look like this, & how it will smooth out? All pics that I see online look like just a normal line, not all bunchy.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Thank you for your pictures. It is not normal for a tummy tuck incision to look like that. However, I will suggest waiting for the incision to heal and for all the swelling to subside. It can take up to six months for all the swelling to go down. Good luck with your recovery.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your disappointment.  Unfortunately at this point you just have to wait and see how things settle out.  Some of the bunching usually settles but I am not sure if all of yours is going to, again difficult to judge at this point as you are very swollen as well which doesn't help the look.For now just be patient and follow your surgeons directions and recommendations.  Once you are 4-6 months out you can reassess things and if there are issues then, you and your surgeon can address them then.Hope that helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear  jcstephenson89,
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 incision should improve a lot. 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Incisions may look bunched up in the early part of recovery but tend to smooth out over time.  Your incision will improve as swelling resolves and healing progresses, however yours has more bunching than is typical. If it does not end up smooth you can consider a scar revision to improve it.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
No, it is not normal scar healing. Please follow up close with your plastic surgeon, as soon as possible.
Good luck :)

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Your tummy tuck incision is definitely not pretty at this time. It will most definitely improve but not likely to be perfect especially in the middle where there are a lot of pleats. Typically, the middle of the abdominal incision line is a lot smoother and pleats are limited to the ends of your incision line. Your surgeon is correct that at this time you will have to be patient and allow the pleating to improve. Worse case scenario you will need a incision line revision following at least 6 months of delay. i would recommend a mini tummy tuck and high definition liposuction revision.

13 days post op, is it normal for a tummy tuck incision to look like this? I was not expecting it to be so bunchy and lumpy.

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