I have indents along my sides/flanks after Tummy Tuck and concerned it won't go away. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

I had a TT with a little lipo on my sides about 7 weeks ago and am concerned about the shape of my flanks. Right after the TT, I noticed that my sides above my scar are bulging creating lumps (see pictures). I have brought this issue up to my PS multiple times and he insists it is swelling; however, I am concerned because I haven't seen anyone else who has had this issue. I don't believe these are "dog ears" because it is not being created by the scar but by an indent. Is this normal?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Rwiltz,I definitely understand where you are coming from! Dog ears at the sides after a Tummy Tuck is very common.Here is why it happens:When you remove abdominal tissue from the front and stretch the remaining tissue down its like tucking in the front of your shirt but leaving the back and sides untucked. The transition from the front to the back is always a little ruffled.Here is the good news. our skin is not like a shirt and will adapt and mold so that you should be able to have a smooth transition to the back along the edges of the scars.I would have to examine you but your plastic surgeon could be correct in that there is swelling going on. After all, you have a big incision there and it interferes with the lymphatic flow (skin fluid) that normally flows from your abdominal skin to your leg skin. It backs up on the top. I've noticed this happening for up to 3 months for some of my patients.However, the particular pattern I see in your pictures may eventually need a revision.Give it another month and then follow up with your plastic surgeon.Revising dog ears is very common and can be done under local without need for general anesthesia.I hope this was helpful,Dr. Daniel BarrettBeverly Hills, CA

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello and good question because many tummy tuck patients have areas of swelling that concern them, sometimes for months.  I reviewed your pictures.  My opinion is that this probably is still swelling but obviously cannot be certain just from looking at pictures.  Your plastic surgeon is correct to tell you this in that you are only 7 weeks out.  I tell my patients to wait 6 months to see the final outcome before discussing the result.  There is a chance you still have fat left in those areas but you should still wait a while to address this problem.  You are correct that these are not dog ears.  Just be patient and believe your surgeon.  He or she will help you through this issue.

Margaret Skiles, MD (retired) · Answer

To answer your question first, yes, this can be normal and is a way that dog ears can look right after surgery. Your surgeon is right that you are still swollen and probably will be for another several months. I would anticipate that it will get better but whether it gets better enough is difficult to predict. Keep following up with your surgeon and see how it changes. Good luck to you.

Charles Virden, MD (retired) · Answer

I agree you are early....but when the time is right..(6 months) you would certainly benefit by having a small hip liposculpture procedure in the office to even out any contour deformity that remains. I also you contact you PS office and see if they have lymphatic massage services. Good Luck

I have indents along my sides/flanks after Tummy Tuck and concerned it won't go away. Is this normal? (photos)

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