Pleating and Hematoma after tummy tuck. (photos)

Hello, it's not uncommon to have some puckering along the incision after TT surgery, and usually it resolves.  There is no way to know if your bulge is swelling or a fluid collection without a proper exam, so your surgeon will need to assess this with you.

Pleating and hematoma are potential complications that can occur after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery. It's important to understand what these terms mean and how they relate to the procedure:

1. Pleating:
• Definition: Pleating, also known as dog ears, refers to the excess skin and tissue that can bunch up or fold over at the ends of the incision lines after a tummy tuck.
• Cause: This is a common concern after many tummy tuck surgeries. It's more common in patients who require an extensive amount of tissue removal.
• Management: If pleating occurs, it can be corrected with a revision surgery where the excess tissue is removed, and the incisions are revised for a more natural appearance.

2. Hematoma:
• Definition: A hematoma is a collection of blood that forms outside of blood vessels, often as a result of bleeding within the surgical site.
• Cause: Hematomas can occur after surgery when blood vessels are damaged during the procedure or if bleeding continues after the surgery is completed.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of a hematoma may include swelling, pain, and discoloration (bruising) at the surgical site.
• Management: Small hematomas may resolve on their own, while larger ones may need to be drained by the surgeon to prevent infection and complications.

It's crucial to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions diligently and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and address any potential complications like pleating or hematoma promptly. These complications are relatively rare but can occur in some cases. Choosing an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon can help minimize the risk of such issues and ensure a more successful and aesthetically pleasing outcome from your tummy tuck surgery. Always consult with your surgeon if you have concerns or notice any unusual changes during your recovery.

We would be happy to discuss this with you in more detail. Please visit us online to request a consultation or chat with our friendly appointment coordinators via live chat.

I am sorry that you are having issues about your procedure and thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.
The bulges may be residual hematoma that did not drain or dissolve after your bleeding. It is still to early to determine the final outcome.  Continue compression, lymphatic massage, and close follow up with your surgeon.Wishing you the best in your journey

The lumpiness, swelling, itching and hardness after a surgery like you had typically persists at least 8 weeks after the surgery then slowly goes away. In my experience, daily massage of the hard areas makes the biggest difference in getting rid of it sooner rather than later. It can easily take 6 months or more to see results. Your scars will usually flatten and fade between 9-12 months but can sometimes take closer to 18 months. Scar fading depends on your genetics. Be sure to keep any scheduled follow up appointments you have with your surgeons for his evaluation and advice. Hope this helps.
Dean Vistnes, M.D.
Vistnes Plastic Surgery
San Francisco Bay Area
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