Will this lumpy scar eventually go away, or is this my final result? 8 months after tummy tuck (Photo)

Question

I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair exactly 8 months ago. Overall l'm happy with the results, but curious if the "lumpiness" along my scar is swelling and will eventually go away, or if that is my final result? Is 8 months post still too soon to tell?! Thank you!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Unfortunately that will not resolve on its own as it is likely some skin and adipose tissue creating that appearance.  A surgical correction will be required, either additional liposuction or liposuction with a small amount of skin removal.

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

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos! I always recommend that you wait 1 full year for a scar to mature. If afterwards it still bothers you, than you can have a revision done. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Energetic258643,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thanks for submitting your questions and photos!  This "lumpy" appearance 8 months after an abdominoplasty could be due to several things.  You may still be holding residual swelling, especially if you notice this area looks different day-to-day.  Sometimes lymphatic massage and continued compression helps.  This could also be due to the scar tethering inward, making the tissue above it more pronounced.  Also could be thinner tissue beneath the scar, which can accentuate the tissue above it.  Furthermore, you may just have a thicker adipose layer in these areas.  Regardless of the cause, all of these are correctable!  Your plastic surgeon will be able to make recommendations to improve the appearance of your lower abdomen.  Thanks for reaching out!

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hello there, 
Firstly I would like to say the overall result of your surgery is very good. The scar is also good and appropriately positioned. 
The small lumpyness above the scar could be persistent edema or small remnant fat, happens in half of patients. 
You can wait 4 to 6 months more, meanwhile continuing compression garments and massaging of the area. It may get better. Be in touch with treating physician or any board certified plastic surgeon. Sometimes it may need small corrective procedures like steroid injections near the lumpy areas. 
Thank you for writing here.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At 8 months post op it is unlikely you will see much change in the area that concerns you.  If it is residual fat your surgeon may be able to perform a little liposuction for improvement, but an exam would be needed to know for sure.  I encourage you to speak to your surgeon about your concerns and discuss possible treatments.

Eric Desman, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. You specifically asked about lumpiness in your scar. It is difficult to see lumpy areas of the scar directly in the photos, but in general your surgeon probably used some dissolving stitches just below the skin surface at your scar site. While most of the stitches likely have dissolved, there may be some pockets of scar from the stitches that you still feel. Sometimes massage or other treatments can help the scar tissue itself. The slight contour irregularities above your scar may benefit from some lymphatic massage - it would be best to discuss directly with your surgeon, as an in-person exam will help determine if that is swelling, residual fat, a little of both, or something else. Good luck.