4 weeks into tummy tuck, new vertical mark / scar - what is it?

The vertical mark that you mention is due to compression from a seam area of the binder. This will go as the swelling subsides. It will take about 3 to 6 months for the swelling to settle down and will continue to settle for almost 12 months. 

The vertical mark could be the result of a compression garment that is too tight.  Our office provides our TT/lipo patients with an adjustable compression garment.  The  patients like the support it provides to the back and to the abdomen.  The only complaint I have heard is related to the "itchiness" of the fabric which can be remedied by wearing a soft t-shirt under the garment.Any concerns of the compression garment being too tight or not fitting properly should be addressed in person with the plastic surgeon.  The compression garment could cause a burn or pressure necrosis if too tight.

It's difficult to tell from the photo but it may be an indentation from the seams of the binder or perhaps a garment that folded underneath the binder. If so it should improve as you take a break from the compression. If you have a t-shirt or other clothing between your skin and the binder be sure that the material lays flat against your skin.

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

It is possible that what you are seeing is a line caused by swelling and your compression garment. Talk to you plastic surgeon about your concerns and discuss different compression garments if you are having discomfort. 

Thanks for your question and photo. The line that is visible in the photo appears to be from a fold or a seam in the compression garment. This is nothing to worry about.  As you take on and off the garment and move it around, this area will shift and as the swelling goes down the area will normalize. Follow up with your plastic surgeon will guide you as to whether they would like you to massage the area. In some cases this can help with sensation, tenderness and with equalization of the swelling.

When a full abdominoplasty is done a lot of the skin is elevated to allow for skin to be pulled down and tightened.  This temporarily disrupts the lymphatics in the skin leading to swelling and edema of the skin.  This is why compression garments are recommended for 4 months.  It takes about 4 months for the new lymphatics to regrow.  So having some marks from the compression garments is quite common.  I would say a tighter garment will squeeze more edema from your skin and less likely to have these marks. 

hi
Thanks for sending your question. The photos gives a highly suggestion of this crease caused by the abdominal binder. And I don’t think there is anything serious to worry about. I hope this helps