Will this resolve over time? (Photo)

Question

I am 5 weeks post op. I have two deep pleats that create a pouch in my low belly and a ridge going up toward breast line. My surgeon says its looking good and that the pleats will go away around month 3. He isnt sure what has created the ridge of soft looser skin on my left though I think it has do with the pleats as that one is much deeper than the other. I see other tummy tuck pics at 1 montg where things seem much flatter and smooth and it makes me nervous.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

I suspect you lost a a lot of weight based on your pictures. If you are in fact a massive weight loss patient then I would like to know that please. You may have best been served with Fluer-de-lis style operation. The reason is that you have very little elasticity left in your skin and this vertical incision is needed in many cases. At this point waiting 6 months is best before considering a revision. Good Luck!

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck is a operation that involves multiple layers of tissue (muscle, fat and skin).  Each layer will swell and when added up, looks a bit odd. Your concerns are valid, however, adequate time is needed to let things heal normally.  I tell my patients to wait six months and then discuss the findings at that time.  The pleating occurs because the surgeon is trying to keep the tummy tuck scar from being excessively long.  The pleats usually resolve in six months or so.Most patients are not patient.  That is human nature.  You just need to let things heal and discuss all concerns with your doctor.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear turnungthepage17,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a TT surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process at 5 weeks  post op.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

are challenging and options given from which patients can choose.  With your photos and if you did lose a lot of weight, I would not expect a lot of improvement except for the pleats on the incisions.  When tissue is pulled towards the center to help distribute the longer upper incision with the shorter lower one, it brings tissue to the midline that has no where to spread out over and it contributes to the midline ridge.  You have avoided the midline scar but results are still far from perfect.  I've found through the years that most patients who have lost a lot of weight want to be rid of their excess skin and that requires the anchor tummy tuck.  They wear one piece swimsuits but have a much better contour overall.  But at this point, all you can really do is be patient, allow yourself to completely heal, and then consider what options you may have then.

Will this resolve over time? (Photo)

Answers (4)