(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

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

The mark you describe and show is much more consistent with pressure from a tight faja rather than a burn. When a garment presses on one area for too long, it can reduce circulation and leave a line of skin damage. This can heal into a darker or indented scar, which is why the mark has stayed visible even after two years.
At this stage it is unlikely to disappear on its own, but there are solutions that can improve how it looks
Laser treatments such as fractional CO2 or Q switched lasers can lighten the color and smooth the texture
Microneedling or radiofrequency microneedling can stimulate healing and soften the scar tissue
Injections such as steroid or PRP may help if the tissue is raised or firm
Surgical scar revision is an option if the mark is deep and persistent, allowing it to be removed and closed more cleanly
While it may not be possible to erase the mark completely, these approaches can make it much less noticeable.
I have also shared a detailed video where I explain different types of scarring after tummy tuck and show examples of how they can be improved.
&mdash; Güray Yesiladali, MD

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about whether your burn may have been caused by your faja ha and if your scar can be improved.  Thank you for your history in your picture.  I’m sorry for your misfortune of abdominal scarring after your tummy tuck.  Your abdominal scar does not look like a burn.  Your abdominal scar looks more like pressure necrosis.  That means the skin and underlying fat died due to excessive pressure from the faja.  Unfortunately, it appears that your scar was probably due to the faja.  During your seated, bent position after your tummy tuck, there was probably a fold in the fall, which created excessive pressure in this area.  This excessive pressure strangulated the skin, causing the skin to die and leave you with a scar.  Therefore, it is important during the healing after a tummy tuck to check your faja to ensure there are no wrinkles, folds, or indentations.  Fortunately, plastic surgeons are experts in scar treatment and revisions.  If the scar still concerns you, I would suggest you seek a consultation with a plastic surgeon regarding how to revise or improve your scar.  Good luck.  I hope I’ve answered your question regarding a scar caused by your faja after your tummy tuck. Good luck.      If you have any more questions regarding tummy tucks, abdominoplasties, or abdominal liposuction, contact an experienced plastic surgeon.  Since the tummy tuck surgery is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing tummy tucks.  Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 tummy tucks.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.  If you cannot find an experienced tummy tuck plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic surgery, American College of surgery, and International College of surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

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.

(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 (8)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar revision

Answer: Scar revision

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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 (8)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar revision

Answer: Scar revision

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.