Why does my tummy tuck scar goes up the side of my back?

Question

I am two weeks post op for my tummy tuck. My surgeon said my tummy tuck consisted of the hip bone to hip bone method with a T shape at the bottom. The left side starts on the hipbone but the right side goes up my back. Was this a mistake? Its very uncomfortable. It feels like my back is burning every time I try and stand. I also hate the scar. I thought the my tummy tuck would be discrete and not really noticeable. This scar on my back proved me wrong.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

At just 2 weeks post op, your body is still swollen. My guess is that this swelling is what's causing the distortion in your scar. Share your concerns with your surgeon at your next post op appointment, but hopefully, the issue will correct itself as your body continues to heal. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Without a photograph it is difficult to comment on the incision placement, but in the majority of cases they are designed, and created, symmetrically between a patient's right and left sides.  With your body's healing the incision may move or shift a bit.  Voice your concerns to your surgeon, they can better explain to you the rationale behind your incision placement.

Lee E. Corbett, MD · Answer

The scar will improve with time and if you still find its position undesirable check with your surgeon. After everything has healed a small revision may lower the scar to match the other hip.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear that you are having pain at your incision line, but that is certainly not uncommon at only 2 weeks out. The design of the incision has to be tailored to each individual to get out the most amount of skin, and so your surgeon must have needed that pattern to get you the best contour. The scar will improve in time. Best wishes.

Fred Hackney, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. If there was a lot of skin that was removed, for example, due to massive weight loss, to get the best result, your surgeon may have gone up the back with the incision.  Unfortunately, the hip bones are not typically perfectly symmetrical and the surgeon probably did the best they could to get it straight. It is difficult to cut the scar the same on both sides. Follow your instructions for scar therapy, and it will look better in time.

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

Most "extended" tummy tuck scars do pretty much go from hip bone to hip bone, but not really up the back. I would have to see a picture to know exactly what you are referring to. Unfortunately a tummy tuck does come with a pretty long scar. That being said, it is usually placed well below the bikini line so that it should not be visible under underwear. Everyone does heal differently and you are only 2 weeks post op. I would still give it some time.

Why does my tummy tuck scar goes up the side of my back?

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