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

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.

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

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

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.

Go back to your surgeon and be examined. Your photos are too limited to tell. With an examination, your surgeon can tell what is happening and what should be done.

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.

Dear mizzjan,
It's best to follow your surgeon's instructions on this. You are developing hypertrophic scars and different surgeons have different protocols for managing them. Good luck!

Thanks for this interesting question and nicely posted photos. Appears this is a suture issue or closure of the incision issue. Best to see your original surgeon or do virtual consultation with for potential revision of this area under local anesthesia. Fee $2500 again best to virtual consult

It looks like you’re forming hypertrophic scar formation.
This is most likely due to some cause for chronic inflammation.
It could be contaminated, suture material and sometimes they’re simply no explanation.
I suggest you follow up with your plastic surgeon and have him or her give you an assessment.
Best,
Matt Hagstrom, MD