Puffy and Raised Tummy Tuck Incision

Question

I am 12 days out from a Tummy Tuck, and I still have one drain in.  I am 5'4" and 120 pounds.  I've had two pregnancies, the most recent was twins by c-section 18 months ago.  My stomach was firm and protruding above the belly button area from diastasis.   The area above my belly button, my biggest concern, looks great.  But my incision site looks like a ledge and seems to be raised about an inch off my abdomen than what would look natural.    Could this be swelling?  Can this improve?  Is it too early to be concerned?

John Philip Connors III, MD · Answer

Fullness at the incision this early after surgery may be due to normal post-operative swelling and the closure technique and suture choice used by your surgeon.
Time is on your side! It may take 6 months to a full year for swelling to subside completely.
Good luck with your recovery!
Dr. C

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello nhmama in Hudson, NH. Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about your tummy tuck incision at 12 days post-operation.

It's completely understandable to be concerned about how your incision looks, especially in the early stages of recovery. Here’s some information that might help address your worries:

Swelling and Healing: At 12 days post-surgery, it is very early in the recovery process, especially for a significant procedure like a tummy tuck. Swelling is very common and can be pronounced, particularly around the incision area. This can create the appearance of a 'ledge' or puffiness around the incision line.

Drain Impact: Since you still have one drain in, it indicates that your body is still actively healing and managing fluid accumulation. The presence of the drain itself can also contribute to localized swelling.

Normal Healing Process: The raised appearance of the incision site is typically due to inflammation and the early phases of the healing process. As the healing progresses, the swelling should decrease, and the incision line should start to flatten and blend more with the surrounding skin.

Timeline for Concern: It is generally too early to be concerned about long-term aesthetics at this stage. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 3-6 months to evaluate the final appearance of the scar and the overall results of the surgery. Your body needs time to adapt and recover from the surgical changes.

Care for the Incision: Continue to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions carefully. This often includes managing the incision site with appropriate cleaning, monitoring for signs of infection (such as increased redness, heat, or unusual discharge), and attending follow-up appointments.

Scar Management: Once the incision has fully healed and your surgeon gives the go-ahead, you might consider using silicone gel sheets or scar creams to help the scar mature and flatten more effectively.

When to Contact Your Surgeon: If the swelling worsens, you experience significant pain, or if the incision discharges pus or a foul odor, it’s important to contact your surgeon immediately as these can be signs of infection or other complications.

Overall, patience is key during the recovery from a tummy tuck. The body takes time to adjust and heal, and the early post-operative weeks can often be the most challenging in terms of appearance and discomfort. Keep in close contact with your plastic surgeon and ensure you attend all recommended follow-up visits to monitor your progress.

I hope this helps, and I wish you a smooth and swift recovery.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
The ridge that it sounds like you have is most likely from the suturing technique used at the time of your surgery, and is done in order to take the tension of the closure off of your skin. This usually results in a more inconspicuous, fine line scar.
Scar maturation takes a long time (up to a year), but your scar should start to improve soon, and continue to improve over that time.
Don't be worried. Keep all of your appointments, and follow your surgeon's advice carefully.
Congratulations on your new shape!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At 12 days post surgery, the ledge you are feeling at the incision closure may be swelling. Hard to say without an exam.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
You are early and this could be swelling-related, but show your surgeon to be sure. Does your surgeon have you in a tight garment? Did you have liposuction along with your TT surgery? Lipo can make things swell before they shrink down.

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Puffy and Raised Tummy Tuck Incision

Answers (5)

Answer: Abdominopalsty scar

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Answer: Raised Tummy Tuck incision could be swelling-related

Answer: Raised Tummy Tuck incision could be swelling-related

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