Can anything be done to fix this shelf above my Tummy Tuck scar? (photos)

Question

Famale, 5’8”, full TT with abdominal repair. I had a full TT about 1.5 ago followed by lipo 6 months ago. I have this shelf above the scar. My plastic surgeon said this was due to my anatomy and the skin being thicker on top than bottom. I’m wondering if there is anything that can be done to fix it or if I’m fated to have to look as bad before I had the TT. The surgeon is well regarded in the area. I didn’t have much loose skin hence the small belly button vertical scar.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

There are generally a couple options. First is liposuction to flatten the area - sounds like you already tried this and are still having less than ideal results. Second option would be to revise the scar trying to even the level between the pubic area and lower abdominal skin.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question.
Based on the photos, you have a step off scar deformity which sometimes occurs after tummy tuck. It can often be improved with scar revision surgery in order to make it a more flat and even scar.
I suggest that you discuss your questions and concerns during in-person consultation with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon. 
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Conceivably you might gain some improvement from either liposuction or a scar revision with direct excision of the raised tissue. The value of these would require a physical examination and should be discussed further with your surgeon.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You will need a scar revision but I also recommend revising the umbilicus at the same time.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi Kalola,

Yes, you could ask your surgeon to lipo some more fat and re-excise ( cut ) the scar a bit more. 
I understand why he/she did not do this at the time of your original surgery. This area has the poorest blood supple after a tummy tuck, so typically , we do not lipo a lot in this area. Also the surgeon does not wish to have too much tension in this area as well so as to avoid necrosis to the skin.
Expect to pay for this additional surgery because your surgeon did the right thing by not stressing out the skin in this area too much at the original operation.

Hope this helps a bit.

Best
 Dr. Christine Rodgers

Hagen Schumacher, PhD, FRCS(Plast), FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,
If this is made up of fat tissue which is the most likely possibility, then this can be treated with liposuction. If there is underlying muscle laxity, you might benefit from muscle tightening.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

This is. It unusual following a tummy tuck. Lipo should help some. Beyond that I would check if there is enough loose skin to cut out some more skin and make it tighter. That will flatten it out as well

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Your plastic surgeon obviously has the advantage of knowing you in person and having performed your surgery. That said, based on the photos alone you may be a candidate for selective liposuction of the lower abdomen above your scar to achieve a more uniform contour and eliminate the shadow of the “shelf”.  Alternatively, some of the non-surgical options such as Coolsculpt (freezing) or radio-frequency (heating) may be defective in improving the appearance of your tummy. 
Please consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon if you are not satisfied with your surgeon’s recommendations or opinion. Best of luck to you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear KalolaJ,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from liposuction. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Aleksandr Shteynberg, MD · Answer

Hello JackAJ,
The shelf along your abdominal scar is likely due to different thickness of the skin above and below the scar. One way to try to decrease or eliminate this step off may be by liposuction to thin out the upper portion of the incision. Alternatively, revision of the scar can be done with direct removal of fat and/or scar tissue to adjust the thickness of the skin above the scar, which is creating the shelf.
Best,
A. Shteynberg, M.D., F.A.C.S.Diplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryNew York, NY.

Can anything be done to fix this shelf above my Tummy Tuck scar? (photos)

Answers (19)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

What is this lower stomach bulge 7 months after tummy tuck? (photos)

DOT physical for commercial drivers after tummy tuck?

Would a revision be needed or just liposuction? (photos)

I've had 3 c-sections, I’m hypertensive at 38 years old - Can I have a tummy tuck?

What can I do to speed healing after a Tummy Tuck? (photos)

Which is safer to use during a tummy tuck: Exparel vs. Standard Bupivacaine?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS