Internal scar tissue that won't go away more than one year after tummy tuck (Photo)

Question

More than a year ago, I had a circumferential tummy tuck to remove extra skin from weight loss all around my waist area. My surgeon was amazing and has even performed a gynecomastia which was perfect! However, I developed strong internal scar tissue (like a pseudobursa) that Ive had for more than a year, which is causing discomfort and misaligns my entire abdomen area. My surgeon says itll go away within time, but ive heard once its this bad, it requires a revision surgery. Will it go away?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Celebrated442468, thank you for your question. It is important to clarify with a treating physician how long it is prudent to wait for changes, since in healing processes decisions are made that improve the appearance of scars over time. After healing, little changes occur. For more information and recommendations, it is prudent to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding continued scar tissue after a circumferential lower body lift or tummy tuck. It appears that this is scar tissue refractory to routine healing. Since this is unresolved after a year, I suggest you undergo revision surgery. Depending on the areas that bother you, this may be part of the incision or require the entire incision. It may require an incision or even lysis of adhesions with a special liposuction cannula. Even though I would not use liposuction to remove fat, the cannula nonetheless can be used to break up the scar tissue. You must follow up with your plastic surgeon. Unfortunately, I do not think it will disappear since it is one year after your surgery. Thank you for your question regarding scar tissue after a tummy tuck. 
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon6

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon6

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

The crease you observe and “V”shape on top of the belly button and laterally is Because liposuction was done in the abdominal flap which was undermined, and no undermining and either liposuction done above that line, so my recommendation is to go back to your doctor just to  do a minor revisio to even out the edges of the limit of liposuction/undermining area to soften the appearance of the bulge above. 
Be encouraged. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Celebrated442468,
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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Scar tissue does tend to improve over time.  It will soften and become more malleable.  Until then there are other things you can look into such as massage for the scar tissue, ultrasound therapy, lasers, and stretching.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may need a small amount of fat transferred back into that area for it appears to have been thinned of fat.

Internal scar tissue that won't go away more than one year after tummy tuck (Photo)

Answers (7)

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