Ridges in Tummy Tuck Scar - Will They Flatten Out?

Question

I had tummy tuck 3 weeks ago and the sides where my hip bones are, have extreme ridges. the only area where the scar is flat is in the pubic, center area. i'm very thin 5'3, 92 lbs (after 2 kids, my skin deflated) i have almost no body fat and i'm thinking this might be why. under the scar (where hip meets thigh) there is only skin(nothing else) whereas the area above the scar has skin and some fat. wondering if this will ever flatten out? it's seriously like a cliff! that's how uneven it is.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Sometimes there can be a mound of tissue at either end of a tummy tuck incision.  Some surgeons allow these to remain and settle over time.  They will settle over several months.  Some surgeons address these mounds at surgery by removing them resulting in a longer overall incision.  
If the mounds were left and they settle/flatten then you avoided a longer incision.  If they do not settle then the mounds can be removed usually under local anesthesia which results in an overall longer incision.  The key is the body will be given the benefit of the doubt to correct this issue in hopes that you will avoid a more lengthy incision

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It is nearly impossible to predict at 3 weeks what your long term results will be. There is no doubt that some areas that are currently firm will soften wtih time.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

if you are referring to uneven skin edges along the scar line, these usually smooth out with time. If you are referring to residual loose skin in the lateral areas, this is usually referred to as a dog ear and sometimes needs surgical revision. The best thing to do is discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Sharon Theresa McLaughlin MD · Answer

Tummy tuck healing is a long process; it will be months before there is a final result. 
That being said there are some techniques, such as massage, that will help with the so-called ridge. The tissue will become more pliable with time and that ridge should flatten.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

The extent of skin excess determines the length of the Tummy Tuck scar. Moreover, after removal of the loose lower abdominal skin, there is an uneven amount of skin on either side of the surgical incision; more on the top and less on the bottom. When the wound is closed, such excess may TEMPORARILY produce mild ridging at the sides. This is NOT permanent and they flatten as the healing process proceeds in the coming weeks and months.

Ridges in Tummy Tuck Scar - Will They Flatten Out?

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Answer: Ridges after tummy tuck

Answer: Ridges after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Ridges after Tummy Tuck

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Ridges in Tummy Tuck Scar - Will They Flatten Out?

Answers (7)

Answer: Ridges after tummy tuck

Answer: Ridges after tummy tuck

Answer: Ridges after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Ridges after Tummy Tuck

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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.