1 week post op Tummy Tuck, my skin feels rubbery. Will it soften over time?

Question

Hello, I had a full tummy tuck on 09/02/14 - my skin feels... rubbery, will it soften over time? Thank you!

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

When patients receive a tummy tuck they will have swelling and mild bruising. The healing process can take some time. You are early in the process and most patients will experience a softening of the skin and normal sensation as well.

Mark Crispin, MD · Answer

Everyone will get some swelling in their skin after tummy tuck that can feel "rubbery".  Give it some time and this will resolve.

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

It is quite normal for skin to feel rubbery after tummy tuck as it's both stretched and swollen. You will see improvements over the next 3 months.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

It is normal for the skin to feel abnormal after surgery.  It will take 2-3 months for the skin to begin to feel normal again.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi tesssThis is  quite normal to have skin feel like this in the immediate post-op period following a tummy tuck or even liposuction. The skin and tissue beneath it are filled with fluids from the muscle swelling and this will go away a little bit every day. You can help it along by elevating your legs at the end of the day or even when you are resting.If the swelling increases, doesn't get better or if the skin gets hard, please see your surgeon. Otherwise, things should settle down in a week or two.Best,Dr. Rodgers

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Wow - you need to get patient!! One week after surgery? Really? It will take a good three months for most of the swelling to resolve and the skin to start to feel normal. I'm sure your surgeon must have discussed with you before surgery.

Diana Breister-Ghosh, MD · Answer

It is very normal for the skin to feel different this soon after the Tummy Tuck.  The tissue has swelling which gives it the rubbery texture you mentioned.  I would expect it to be 6 to 8 weeks until the tissue takes on a more normal texture.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery. The sensations you describe are very normal one week after tummy tuck surgery.  It can take three months or so before the swelling resolves and you begin to feel "normal" in the tummy region.  Its important to follow your post operative instructions, keep your review appointments with your surgeon and importantly, remember to be patient.

Constance M. Barone, MD · Answer

Yes it is common for the skin to feel odd in the beginning due to swelling and nerve endings being disrupted.   It will improve over time   Best to you

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

You are in the very early stages of recovery and the results should improve with time as swelling continues to go down.  Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon on a regular basis.

1 week post op Tummy Tuck, my skin feels rubbery. Will it soften over time?

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