Tummy Tuck Shelf - is there anything I can do to improve it? (Photo)

Thank you for your question regarding addressing a tummy tuck shelf that resulted from a post-tummy tuck seroma. To minimize this shelf, I would recommend considering suction. This irregularity could be due to residual fat or skin, both of which can typically be addressed with targeted liposuction. Using a laser in conjunction with liposuction might also aid in scar breakdown. I wouldn't advise a surgical revision of the scar, as it may further distort the scar's shape. Instead, liposuction for this tummy tuck shelf would be my strong recommendation. Also, based on your history, wearing a compression garment for 6-8 weeks after your procedure can help prevent future seromas. I hope this provides you with some clarity, and I wish you the best of luck on your journey.

Dear Intuitive675569,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello @Intuitive675569, thank you for your question. There are several factors to consider, among which is the surgical technique and a few additional tests to establish what really happened. From there, implement a surgical plan based on your needs and expectations. In order to manage the scar process, there are several non-surgical treatments available. Technologies: laser, fixer, in other products, substances, compressive attachments. The best course of action is to consult one or more board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

After a large seroma which remain for weeks our body creates a capsule called bursa. The bursa preventes the skin to attach towards the abdominal wall fascia allowing the “sliding”.
Lipo helped a lot and it is the proper treatment after a ridge after Tummy tuck, but the bursa needs surgical resection. Short procedure, outpatient, quilting stitches will prevent the seroma formation.
An ultrasound may help to confirm the diagnosis.
Be encouraged.
Dr. Cárdenas

An examination is needed to be certain, but if excess scar tissue is present, it could be removed. If excess fat is present, liosuction can be done. The scar itself could be improved with micro-needling.

Yes your problem is fixable. You would benefit from excision of the previous seroma cavity and revision of your tummy tuck along with some liposuction to the lower abdomen to flatten out the area. The scar will be shorter than your current scar and will replace it so you will not have additional scars. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon as revision surgery can be very complex. Good luck!

Thank you for submitting your photos and for your question. I would need to examine you in order to better answer your question. There are several potential treatment options depending on your specific concerns/goals and your exam (is there fat in the area above your scar, your skin laxity, etc.). For instance, it may be possible to perform liposuction to improve the contour in the area above your scar. A scar revision with or without additional laser treatments to the scar may also be helpful. The recovery from these procedures is quicker than for a full tummy tuck. If you haven’t already, I recommend meeting with your original plastic surgeon who performed your tummy tuck about your concerns and discuss possible treatment options.

Dear Intuitive,
There may be a few options available to improve your tummy tuck results. If the ridge, or shelf contains fat, liposuction can be performed. I think the scar depression is contributing to your dissatisfaction. So, a better option might be to "fat shift" from the shelf down to the depression. You may also consider fat transfer to the depressed scar from another body site, or the use of Renuva, a fat growth inducing product to raise the depression. Discuss these options with your surgeon. Good luck!

Liposuction would smooth out most of your lower abdominal contour irregularities. Very short procedure with little down time.

Great posted photos. Only surgical revision with excision of Seroma capsule can effectively improve. But why was original incision due a TT placed so high?
Best to virtual consult with……