(More than two years post op) Is this a burn or could it have been caused by my faja? Can it be improved? (Photos)

Question

I have always been curious but I saw somewhere that someone compared a mark that I have after a tummy tuck to a burn. My plastic surgeon told me that I caused this mark because I leaned over too long in my faja. Is this a burn or did my faja cause this? The first three pictures are right after surgery and the last one is two years after

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

This looks like a classic tissue injury from compression.  The feeling in your abdomen can be decreased immediately after the operation because of swelling, and your garment can be the equivalent of having a rubber band in that area pressing on the skin.  The skin may have no blood flow, or decreased blood flow, and may be injured.  This is probably what happened here.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's impossible to say definitively but if that wound was present immediately after surgery then it is unlikely to be from compression as you hadn't had compression on.  Though your photos appear that you have healed well from this situation, you can consider scar revision if you are wanting further improvement.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

This does not appear to be a burn.  A compressive garment could have done this being too tight at that point.  You have healed very well.  You would benefit from excision of the hyperpigmented area that will leave a scar but will be more attractive then what you have now.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

John J. Obi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry and photos.  Although it is not possible to say definitively, your appearance shortly after the procedure certainly is compatible w a burn eschar as I have seen and treated in the past as a result of medical tourism by the patient.

Perhaps a scar revision could improve on the appearance at this point- something to consider.
Good luck.

(More than two years post op) Is this a burn or could it have been caused by my faja? Can it be improved? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Burn vs Faja

Answer: Burn vs Faja

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

(More than two years post op) Is this a burn or could it have been caused by my faja? Can it be improved? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Burn vs Faja

Answer: Burn vs Faja

Browse related questions

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.