6 months post op and have an indentation that is causing pain and discomfort. Advice? (photos)

Question

Hello so I had surgery six months ago and i still have a indentation that causes pain and discomfort , when i take showers and it hits the area also if theres any pressure on that area. Doctor keeps saying its a stich.... i do not beleive thats true. Hes in another state and is telling me i need a steroid shot in that area. I need help on what i should do.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to visit either with your surgeon or another board certified plastic surgeon in your area for an evaluation.  This will determine the best route to take for resolution.  Just note that another surgeon may charge for the visit since she/he was not the one who performed your tummy tuck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Genius542742,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

In order to make an assessment on the outcome of a surgical procedure it is helpful to see before and after pictures. If you don’t have before and after pictures ask your surgeon to forward the ones they took.

I recommend patients not travel long distances for elective surgical procedures because follow up is important.

Seeking advice on real self is a poor substitute for having an in person follow up appointment.

Is not clear what the invitation represents and without having been present at the time of surgery there’s really no way for us to know what this represents.

I don’t think there’s much your provider can do other than give you reassurance and time. Nerves that are injured during surgical procedures often take time to heal and this process can go on for quite a long time.

I don’t think a steroid injection is going to help your hypersensitivity unless it is caused by excessive inflammation.

If you cannot follow up with the provider who did your procedure then you need to schedule a second opinion in person consultation with the other local board-certified plastic surgeons in your community.

It’s reasonable for the surgeons to charge you for the consultation when it comes to taking care of complications or concerns regarding the outcome of a procedure done by another provider.

Alternatively you can travel to the surgeon who did your procedure. It is unlikely you’re going to get a useful answer by posting on real self.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The redness and pain suggest active chronic inflammation or infection, the associated depression suggests a degree of soft tissue loss.
I do NOT recommend injection of a steroid. It may enhance infection.
I strongly suggest that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon in the near future as there is the possibility of infection of a deep permanent fascial suture which often presents in this manner. 
Best wishes...

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Answers (4)

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