Severe fibrosis after Tummy Tuck & Liposuction? (Photos)

Question

I have severe abdominal fibrosis after having lipo in Feb 2016 and TT in Aug 2016. I have tried massages and have worn my garment. I do have lupus and I suspected the fibrosis is a result of my body's inflammatory response to the surgery. Other than tjis, my lupus is very controlled, I do not take steroids and I have no organ damage. My rheumatologist did clear me for both surgeries. Is there any non surgical procedure that can reduce or eliminate the fibrosis? Can steroid injections help me?

Erica Anderson, MD · Answer

I would recommend you stop wearing compression and continue with aggressive massage. The tissue/scar should loosen with time. Best wishes.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Hi, Dared.  What a tough problem! You certainly appear to have a surprising amount of indurated swelling almost one year out from a tummy tuck.  It would be helpful to know if your skin was normal just prior to the tummy tuck, or whether you had persistent indurated swelling following your liposuction.  Lups, no doubt, could be a strong factor in your recovery.  It is a strange disease, and I have seen the whole gambit from absolutely no effect on recovery to odd and persistent inexplicable swelling (with a patient that did not disclose her lupus diagnosis).  Unfortunately, the abnormal tissue involves a large surface area, and steroids would not be a good option in my opinion.  Ultrasound and professional lymphatic drainage massage likely would of benefit -- to what degree, would be uncertain.  A cheap, at home alternative might be a heating pad and vibrator massage followed by a good by-hand massage. Normally I recommend post-operative compression garments, but occasionally I will have a patient where their swelling seems to be exacerbated by the garment.   Additionally, I find sitting and excess salt significantly aggravates swelling in this area.  It is possible that the TT scar has become very adherent to the muscle, impairing the drainage of the abdominal skin -- however, given the extent of the swelling, and the fact that the swelling extends pretty high up, I doubt this would be the primary factor.There does seem to be some slight redness of the skin  -- it is possible that you have a mild, chronic cellulitis (skin infection) that is causing the persistent swelling.  You might consider seeing your PS or your rheumatologist to evaluate for this possibility.  Best of luck to you, and I hope this resolves!

Severe fibrosis after Tummy Tuck & Liposuction? (Photos)

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Severe fibrosis after Tummy Tuck & Liposuction? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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