3 years post tummy tuck and I still swell badly around the scar. I can see the stitches inside my body. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

Female, 41, 5'7", 156. I also get hot flashes and feel lethargic sometimes but my PCP says all tests came back fine.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

The photos show a low tummy tuck scar with some contour irregularity around the scar line, but a photo cannot confirm whether you are seeing or feeling sutures under the skin. At 3 years, major swelling from normal healing should usually be settled, so persistent or recurrent swelling deserves an in-person evaluation rather than being dismissed as routine.

Possibilities include scar tissue, a palpable deep suture, suture granuloma, residual fat or skin laxity, lymphatic swelling, a small fluid collection, or a muscle repair/hernia issue. A plastic surgeon can examine the area and may order an ultrasound if there is a lump, stitch-like structure, or fluid concern. Seek same-day care if you develop redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain, skin opening, or rapidly increasing swelling.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear yramirez0728,
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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At three years post op you are fully healed from the tummy tuck.  Your incision appears to have healed well.  The sutures that you mentioned are not visible in the submitted photos.  I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation if you continue to swell.  The hot flashes and lethargy are not associated with a tummy tuck.

Frank Lalezar, MD · Answer

Your incision appears to have healed very well. However, if you are unhappy with the appearance of your scar and continue to get swelling, please see a board certified plastic surgeon to answer your questions.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

At three years, you are fully healed and you’re no longer swollen from the surgery. The natural subcutaneous, fat thickness generally transitions from being quite thin in the groin area and being substantially thicker in the mid abdomen. During a tummy tuck, whether it’s a mini or a full, the skin over the area where the subcutaneous fat gradually transitions is removed. At the incision points does subcutaneous fat is generally thicker and the upper side than the lower side. Most plastic surgeons will accommodate this by thinning out the fat on the upper side of the incision line but sometimes there is a step off or transition at the incision line, regardless. This can sometimes look like swelling or fullness, but in reality, it’s more related to an abrupt change in subcutaneous fat thickness from removing the skin where the transition in fat thickness happened.
Sometimes revisions by either redoing the scar or removing some fat with Liposuction, can’t be helpful.
Most plastic surgeons will use layers of absorbable suture for the procedure. Some of the suture material or scar tissue related to it can be felt through the skin long after the procedure. I suggest you follow up with your plastic surgeon and have him or her address your concerns. Alternatively schedule a second opinion consultation with other providers in your community.
What you describe is not atypical and fairly normal. The degree of step off at the incision line varies based on each individual patient’s anatomy and candidacy for the procedure as well as how the procedure was performed.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Yily De Los Santos, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures. It's great news that all your tests came out ok. Your scar looks perfect and it shows no signs of anything abnormal. People heal differently and the sensation in the area of the Tummy Tuck might never be exactly as it was before surgery.

Feeling lethargic 3 years post op shouldn't be related to surgery.

Feeling lethargic 3 years post op shouldn't be related to surgery.

3 years post tummy tuck and I still swell badly around the scar. I can see the stitches inside my body. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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