Is this amount of "ledge" above the incision normal at 3 weeks? Can I use embrace? (Photo)

Question

Lost 100 lbs. Extended TT 3 weeks ago. Will likely do the flanks/back in separate procedure. Having said that, does the amount of "ledge" or bulge above the incision seem normal for three weeks? Just saw the doctor yesterday and there are no seromas. Will Embrace be effective given the surface is not flat? Does everything else look OK? Thank you!

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

The appearance of your incision will likely improve over time as swelling dissipates.  Some patients may benefit from contouring liposuction after the incision is fully healed.  It's often not safe to perform aggressive liposuction in the distal flap at the same time as a tummy tuck, so contouring 6 months down the line may make more sense.Embrace can definitely be used in the right patient; talk to your doctor about additional conservative measures than can be taken to minimize the step off.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. This ledge appears to be most consistent with tissue swelling and should improve initially with compression garment use.  If this shows little improvement differences in flap thickness needs to then be considered.  Hope this helps.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for using RealSelf.com.Three weeks is not enough time to determine if what you see is swelling or something else.  You have to assume that swelling does exist and will resolve over 6 months.  It seems that the belly skin above the scar is thicker than below which would give you a 'ledge'.I do not think Embrace would work because of the difference in thickness of the skin.  Stick with scar massage and maybe a silicone product like Silagen.Good luck to you.Dr Spies

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your picture and questions. Congrats on your weight loss and your procedure. It appears that everything is healing well and I see nothing out of the ordinary for 3 weeks post-op. I think Embrace is a fantastic scar therapy and should be ok to start at this point.Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Pato64,it is hard to tell without an examination. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon in case you are concerned. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

but if it doesn't smooth with time, will require a revision to flatten it, most likely some form of liposuction.  If skin remains lax, then additional skin will have to be removed too which would make the recovery longer.  It appears you lost a lot of weight and in patients like that, revisions are expected when the best outcomes desired.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some of what you see is likely due to swelling. It may also be related to differences in the thickness of the tissue flaps.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Without an examination it is impossible to properly assess your situation and at three weeks, too early. Given your 100 lb. weight loss and compromising by doing an extended tummy tuck versus a full body lift (in one procedure) - that will also affect the results.You need to discuss this issue with your surgeon and any other that you may have regarding your surgery and results.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Is this amount of "ledge" above the incision normal at 3 weeks? Can I use embrace? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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