Ridge Above Tummy Tuck Incision- Will It Heal?

Question

What bothers me is the ridge or puffy little roll that fallows the incision along the top. The very outer ends are smooth and really barely visible. when my PS saw it he told me everything looks exactly like it's supposed to and this would go away. What bothers me is I can't find a single picture in this site that have the same ridge I do. That makes me uncomfortable.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

This should soften and flatten as time goes on, however it may take several months for it to completely flatten out.  This is not that uncommon after a tummy tuck and I would expect it to improve with time. Ask your plastic surgeon about using silicone gel or silicone tape which may expedite the healing process.

	Best wishes,

	Dr.Bruno

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	I would agree with your surgeon that you appear to be healing normally. The &ldquo;ridge" that you are saying should smoothen out with time.  I would suggest continued follow-up and confidence in the plastic surgeon that you chose to do your procedure with.

	Best wishes.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The swelling above your tummy tuck scar is not unexpected and should gradually go away after two or three months. You didn't indicate how long it has been since your surgery,  if it has been longer than this, it may persist but can easily be reduced with a little liposuction to the area after about six months from the time of surgery.  If your surgery was recent, you might ask your surgeon whether a compression garment, like a girdle,  would help reduce the swelling in the area.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

You are still very early in the healing process where swelling and contour irregularities are normal occurrences. Over time, these will settle down and become flatter. Full maturation can take up to a year or more ... so be patient.

David N. Hing, MD (retired) · Answer

The central part of the horizontal closure line of the incision carries the most tension in the wound.  It is common to use multiple layers of sutures to support this closure.  Swelling in this area is common early on in the wound healing process.  As this progresses, the wound will flatten, soften, and become more pliable.  You will see improvement, as time passes over a 2 to 4 month period.  Please be patient and stay in touch with your surgeon about your concerns.

Ridge Above Tummy Tuck Incision- Will It Heal?

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Answer: Swelling in the incision line is common

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Ridge Above Tummy Tuck Incision- Will It Heal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Concerns about contour irregularities involving an abdominoplasty incision

Answer: Concerns about contour irregularities involving an abdominoplasty incision

Answer: Swelling in the incision line is common

Answer: Swelling in the incision line is common

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.