Tummy tuck swelling, fat, or puffy scar? Almost 10 months out. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I love how I look in my clothes but naked is another question. I lost 130lbs and had a tummy tuck in Miami with a board certified plastic surgeon. I'm trying to figure out why my scar makes me look so puffy near it and what can be done to help? I'm almost 10 months out. Is this normal? It's making me a bit self concious. I feel I look stitched together like a doll that was torn in half.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Toni2424,

Thank you for your question regarding whether your tummy tuck is due to swelling, fat, or a puffy scar, especially since you are 10 months out from your surgery. Without seeing your preoperative pictures, it's challenging to provide a definitive answer. However, considering your 130-pound weight loss, it's likely you had a significant amount of excess abdominal skin. Given that, I believe your current tummy tuck results are impressive. You seem to have achieved great results!

Recovery after a tummy tuck can be lengthy, sometimes taking up to two years for the body to fully heal. If you're concerned about the appearance of your tummy tuck scar, consider applying silicone cream or using silicone gel sheeting. Another option is undergoing Fraxel laser treatment on the scar. This laser can break up collagen within the scar and aid in scar remodeling. If you're still unsatisfied with the scar's appearance, steroid injections are another potential remedy. Additionally, surgical scar revision, which involves excising and re-suturing the scar, is an option.

From what you've shared, you seem to have achieved commendable results. To further enhance these outcomes, consider pursuing additional weight loss. This can reduce the size of your peritoneal cavity, leading to a flatter abdomen.

I hope this addresses your concerns regarding the state of your tummy tuck results 10 months post-procedure. Best of luck moving forward.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  With major weight loss often comes significant skin laxity which may lead to a little revision even after a tummy tuck.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  It is possible further skin excision, fat removal, or both will improve your results.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling can last longer than 10lbs. BUT you may also benefit from lymphatic massages or massages for fibrosis at this point if you did not get them post op.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Go back to your surgeon and see if liposuction will benefit you. Liposuction is not done in the lower abdomen during a tummy tuck for safety reasons to your skin. However, it can be safely done after you have healed from the tuck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Only 1 posted photo? Hard to be exactly sure if you have "dog ears"? If yes then lipo 360, with pickle fork release on TT scar, revision dog ears and maybe try to correct very uneven TT incisions!. Expect fee $6,000+. Are you sure your surgeon was a boarded "real" plastic surgeon in Miami? Best to virtual consult with....

Tummy tuck swelling, fat, or puffy scar? Almost 10 months out. Is this normal? (Photo)

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Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Tummy tuck swelling, fat, or puffy scar? Almost 10 months out. Is this normal?

Answer: Tummy tuck swelling, fat, or puffy scar? Almost 10 months out. Is this normal?

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Tummy tuck swelling, fat, or puffy scar? Almost 10 months out. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Tummy tuck swelling, fat, or puffy scar? Almost 10 months out. Is this normal?

Answer: Tummy tuck swelling, fat, or puffy scar? Almost 10 months out. Is this normal?

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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.