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

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Is this amount of "ledge" above the incision normal at 3 weeks? Can I use embrace?

Answer: Is this amount of "ledge" above the incision normal at 3 weeks? Can I use embrace?

Answer: Bulge after TT

Answer: Bulge after TT

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Is this amount of "ledge" above the incision normal at 3 weeks? Can I use embrace?

Answer: Is this amount of "ledge" above the incision normal at 3 weeks? Can I use embrace?

Answer: Bulge after TT

Answer: Bulge after TT

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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.