Unusual skin condition after TT, what could it be & will laser help? (Photos)

Question

I had a TT two years ago and I’m fairly happy. My question is, about six months after surgery a discolored patch of skin that’s also rough in texture appeared in center of my stomach above belly button. No one can diagnose it. If I used glycolic acid the roughness goes away but the discoloration remains.I’m wondering If laser might help and if anyone knows what this might be?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Eclectic597024,
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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding unusual skin conditions after a tummy tuck, what it could be, and if the laser can help. It appears from your pictures that perhaps liposuction was performed. You should consult with your plastic surgeon. Another possibility is that the skin was stretched to the point where it caused poor healing. Did you have bruising in this area right after your tummy tuck? In terms of treatment, you can try lasers. The best laser for this condition would be a Fraxel laser. In addition, there are newer medical-grade tattoos that work very well for these types of discolorations. Thank you for your question regarding unusual skin conditions after a tummy tuck, what it could be, and if the laser can help. I hope I answered your questions.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Eclectic597024, thank you for your question. It seems like the skin condition be related to your fat extraction technique used when you had your tummy tuck. When performing this type of surgery, fat is extracted from the abdomen area in order to achieve a flatter and more contoured stomach. It is important to be able to evaluate the case a little more to determine what is the best course of action. 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)

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your skin condition looks very consistent with dermal scar tissue from overly aggressive liposuction done to create midline contour during your procedure. Some providers specifically do aggressive Liposuction against the back of the dermis to create a line mimicking the linea alba of a toned, athletic abdomen.
That is the most likely explanation since your skin condition is a straight vertical line above the umbilicus, which is exactly where most plastic surgeons try to create a purposeful indentation for aesthetic purposes.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Unusual skin condition after TT, what could it be & will laser help? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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