I feel popping when I massage my scar. Is this scar tissue, or is it internal incision stitches?

Question

5 weeks post tt, today. While massaging my scar with Vitamin E, I felt several pops. I was left feeling a bit tender in places, almost like I will be a bit bruised, tomorrow. Was this scar tissue or were these internal incision stitches and if they were stitches, is 5 weeks passed the point of worry, if the stitches were to pop?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I recommend that you follow up with your Plastic Surgeon if you see anything unusual or feel increasing discomfort. It is unlikely that you did any damage but an exam will give you peace of mind.Take care

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say what you are feeling without examining to you and having a better idea of exactly what you are experiencing. At five weeks after your surgery, you could be feeling the sutures more just scar tissue. I recommend you follow up with your surgeon to get better clarity about the matter. I wish you the best. Dr. Gabbay.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

You may be feeling some of the buried deep suture knots.  If it looks unusual you should contact your PS.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You are likely correct that the popping or lumps you are feeling are sutures.  Scar massage should be very gentle and does not require firm pressure.  You should be ok at 5 weeks but would discuss further with your surgeon. Best wishes on your recovery.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, Tshmmr. If you were feeling popping while massaging along your scar, you were feeling the sutures under the skin.  Usually there are couple layers of sutures under the skin.  At 5 weeks, your incisions should be healed and should be safe to masage.  Good luck with your continued recovery.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

At five weeks post tummy tuck, what you are probably feeling is several rows of sutures that are underneath the skin. I would recommend that you discuss this with your plastic surgeon at your next postoperative visit. Congratulations on your tummy tuck and I hope for an uneventful recovery. Good luck.

I feel popping when I massage my scar. Is this scar tissue, or is it internal incision stitches?

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