How long does it typically take for pleating to resolve? (Photo)

Question

My surgeon says that my pleating will resolve and become flat over time. I’m just curious approx how long that typically takes? My pleating seems to be pretty severe, I’m nervous that I will need a revision. I am 3 weeks post op tomorrow is there anything I can do to help these pleats to go away?

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

At 3 weeks you are very early in your recovery. It may take 6 months or more before you see your final result. Be sure to follow all of your post operative instructions. Good luck.

Keshav Magge, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would recommend waiting at least 6 months to give time for the small irregularities to settle out.  All the best,

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is correct.  Pleating will typically resolve and flatten over time.  At three weeks post op you are still very early in your recovery.  You can expect changes ahead as swelling resolves and healing continues.  Generally by 3 to 6 months the pleating will settle.

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.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear AmandaJ55, The first thing I tell my patients on their first post-operative visit before even taking off the dressing is they will have bleeding on the incision and it will take two to three months to flatten out completely.  In addition, it will take six months for all the swelling to resolve.  The reason for the bleeding is the top incision surface is longer than the lower and so the skin has to be bled like that but does resolve.  Be patient and you will be fine.
Robert D. Wilcox, M.D.

Carmen C. Munteanu, MD, FRACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question.
In order to keep the scar short, you can end up with these sort of pleats. They will settle down. as usual, the final results, take 3-6 months. Taping, massage and silicon will help, talk to your surgeon.
Take care!
Carmen

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It usually takes 4-6 months to settle. No special treatment recommended. Please follow up with your PS

Paul B. Mills, MD · Answer

Pleating can certainly occur with a tummy tuck and is dependent upon several factors including the characteristics of your skin such as stretch marks, skin thickness, etc.  This in combination with the amount of pleating produced with surgery will determine how long it might take to resolve.  In general, it will take between 3 and 6 months to resolve and your photos do not demonstrate severe pleating.  You should do very well but the hardest part is waiting to see your final result.  Good luck!

Morad Tavallali, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Pleating in the skin after tummy tuck is seen by all of my patients as, like your surgeon, I try to minimize the length of the scar- which leads to pleating. It will resolve over the next 2-3 MONTHS- not weeks. Massaging the incisions can sometimes help - ask your surgeon what they say.

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