Extra anchoring? Suture lateral to belly button after tummy tuck, why is it there? Will it leave a permanent defect? (Photo)

Hello,You probably have many more under your skin.  It is the best way to prevent seromas, minimize or eliminate the need for drains post operatively, and achieve the most even and significant tightening of the skin. Occasionally there can be a dimple or two, which go away within a few days to a week.Best of luck!

It's a good question. It's always best to direct postoperative questions to your surgeon. They will provide you with the most useful information.Surgeons commonly use quilting sutures to tack the abdominal skin down to the abdominal wall. The goal is to prevent formation of a seroma (fluid collection under the skin). Early on, the sutures can leave dimples in the abdominal wall. These typically resolve over the course of 2-3 weeks and do not leave a permanent mark.

Tummy tuck could could be associated with serum formation ( accumulation of fluid underneath the abdominal panus that may cause bulging and pain, and that usually requires needle aspiration to be removed). There are several technique to prevent seroma formation in a tummy tuck. One of those techniques is deep anchoring sutures.If patients have any questions about the surgical technique performed during a tummy tuck, they should ask directly their plastic surgeon for a explanation for better understanding.

Thank you very much for your question.Your surgeon likely placed several sutures to tack down your skin to the underlying muscles to prevent a seroma.  You just happen to see a little pucker with this one.  In my experience, this will go away, and you have nothing to worry about.  Congratulations!

Don't know what the extra suture is? I would follow up with your surgeon to understand why you have the divot and extra suture?