Hello I am 3 weeks out from a full tummy tuck hernia repair and diatisti recti surgery. I am very worried cause my tummy tuck scar has some wrinkle ness to the scar. Is this normal I had a hematoma which seems to be going down I see my dr tomorrow. Will this ever go away?
February 19, 2015
Answer: Tummy Tuck Scars and Wrinkles. It would be helpful if you had enclosed your pre-operative photos. It appears that some of the wrinkling may be stretch marks were present before the surgery. You state that you had a hematoma after surgery, but you don't mention if it was drained. A hematoma is a blood collection after surgery. When blood is outside the blood vessels,it can be quite irretating to the skin. When there is a hematoma the resulting subcutaneous tissue can be come quite firm especially if it is not drained.Firm areas of the underlying skin flaps and incisions generally develop 10 to 12 days surgery. This healing ridge is normal. The area will soften on its own, but can take 6 to 8 weeks to resolve, even longer if there is a hematoma.If the area is especially firm or uncomfortably you can use ultrasound to soften it. Scars typically are puckered at first and start to get red and raised at 2 weeks after surgery, and become the firmest at 2 months. They are the the most red at 6 months, and take 6 months to 2 years to remodel.Silicone sheeting is helpful to improve the results of a scar, but is often uncomfortable to wear and difficult to stay on. Biocornium silicone cream works well, is easy to apply and has sunscreen in it. I start my patients on it 10 to 14 days after surgery. You need to use it for 10-12 weeks. Embrace silicone sheeting also works well as it takes the tension off the scar to help improve it. Yours,Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACSPlastic Surgery,Newport Beach, CA
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February 19, 2015
Answer: Tummy Tuck Scars and Wrinkles. It would be helpful if you had enclosed your pre-operative photos. It appears that some of the wrinkling may be stretch marks were present before the surgery. You state that you had a hematoma after surgery, but you don't mention if it was drained. A hematoma is a blood collection after surgery. When blood is outside the blood vessels,it can be quite irretating to the skin. When there is a hematoma the resulting subcutaneous tissue can be come quite firm especially if it is not drained.Firm areas of the underlying skin flaps and incisions generally develop 10 to 12 days surgery. This healing ridge is normal. The area will soften on its own, but can take 6 to 8 weeks to resolve, even longer if there is a hematoma.If the area is especially firm or uncomfortably you can use ultrasound to soften it. Scars typically are puckered at first and start to get red and raised at 2 weeks after surgery, and become the firmest at 2 months. They are the the most red at 6 months, and take 6 months to 2 years to remodel.Silicone sheeting is helpful to improve the results of a scar, but is often uncomfortable to wear and difficult to stay on. Biocornium silicone cream works well, is easy to apply and has sunscreen in it. I start my patients on it 10 to 14 days after surgery. You need to use it for 10-12 weeks. Embrace silicone sheeting also works well as it takes the tension off the scar to help improve it. Yours,Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACSPlastic Surgery,Newport Beach, CA
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February 18, 2015
Answer: Wrinkled tummy tuck scar Since you are 3 weeks postoperative from a tummy tuck, I think all your questions should be addressed by your operating surgeon. That being said, there is a large amount of swelling that develops after surgery and is expected. It may take up to 3 months before early final resutls are even achieved. Most times these wrinkles above your scar and wrinkles on your scar itself will resolve on their own or with some gentle moisturizer and scar massage. Once again, I would discuss these concerns with your surgeon during your appointment tomorrow.
Helpful
February 18, 2015
Answer: Wrinkled tummy tuck scar Since you are 3 weeks postoperative from a tummy tuck, I think all your questions should be addressed by your operating surgeon. That being said, there is a large amount of swelling that develops after surgery and is expected. It may take up to 3 months before early final resutls are even achieved. Most times these wrinkles above your scar and wrinkles on your scar itself will resolve on their own or with some gentle moisturizer and scar massage. Once again, I would discuss these concerns with your surgeon during your appointment tomorrow.
Helpful