Bulging on incision line 6.5 months post-op tummy tuck (Photos)

Question

Hello I had a TT 6.5 months ago and I started going back to the gym. I think I may have over done it because I have this bulge on my incision line. It’s soft and it was sensitive to the touch. I’ve been compressing with faja and took antibiotics just to be safe. No discharge or fluids leaking just swollen and red. What did it do? Do I need new stitches or does this heal on its own? Putting silicone gel with compression for now.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

it is tough to give you correct answers without in-person evaluation. it looks like stretching of the immature scar rather than some muscle/abdominal wall bulge. In-person evaluation and consultation with your surgeon is recommended. Silicone tape and pressure is a good treatment. Good luck.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello MIZZJAN0182 in Columbus. Thank you for your question regarding the bulging on your incision line post-tummy tuck.

Thank you for your pictures and your history. What you are describing and is seen in the pictures is stretching of the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty scar. This is probably due to too much activity. With enough force, you can actually open the incision. However, since you are 6 1/2 months after your tummy tuck, this would be doubtful.

Basically, you have stretching of the tummy tuck scar which is leading to a hypertrophic scar. It does not appear to be an infection; therefore, I would not suggest antibiotics. I would suggest the application of silicone cream and silicone strips. Compression will also help. In terms of more definitive treatment, you may consider injections of steroids and 5FU. After 2 to 4 months of injections, if the scar does not appear to your satisfaction, you may consider surgical revision. The surgical revision can usually be done in the office under local anesthesia. During the surgical revision of your hypertrophic tummy tuck scar, the scar would be locally anesthetized with an injection. After the injection, the scar would be resected and sutured together. This would convert your widened tummy scar into a linear scar.

I hope my answer helps to address your concerns regarding a hypertrophic tummy tuck scar. Good luck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mizzjan0182,
I understand your concern. Based on your photos, it looks like your scar is hypertrophic. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the photos and description it appears the scar is becoming hypertrophic and is irritated.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for recommendations on how to treat your symptoms as opinions vary.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Your contour irregularity along a localized segment of tummy tuck closure is a common and unavoidable issue, a consequence of several factors including post surgical activity level, skin elasticity, scar length, skin excision pattern, fat content, and/or a combination of these.  Good news: easy to fix.   Schedule a follow up appointment with your surgeon to plan the resolution of that aesthetic limitation.

Bulging on incision line 6.5 months post-op tummy tuck (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Incision line

Answer: Incision line

Answer: Bulging of Tummy Tuck Closure

Answer: Bulging of Tummy Tuck Closure

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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Bulging on incision line 6.5 months post-op tummy tuck (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Incision line

Answer: Incision line

Answer: Bulging of Tummy Tuck Closure

Answer: Bulging of Tummy Tuck Closure

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.