Tummy tuck 5 weeks post op and my hips have an indentation. Will they even out? (photos)

Question

Hello, i was hoping to get a second opinion on my results. It’s been 5 weeks after TT with lipo to tummy, flanks and back. Im still swollen around waist esp. from back. I had a tiny circle of necrosis and 1 week ago at center of incision, my PS debrided it and now it has closed and has a brownish scab on it. Im worried about my hips they are indented- upper part is tight and lower at level of incision is softer. PS told me its because he pulled everything very tight. Will it even out? Thank you

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Contour irregularities to include area of fullness or depressions are to be expected for months after body contouring surgeries. Scar tissue and swelling can contribute to the wavy contours. I recommend massage of the sides, but check with your doctor to make sure that is ok, and be patient. It can take 6-12 months for things to improve to the point where you can make an accurate assessment of the final results.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Congratulations on your procedure. There is still swelling present, which misguides the final results. It can take up to six months for all the swelling to go down.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is still very early in your recovery and more changes can be expected.  Typically the skin bunching that is concerning you will flatten out over the coming weeks and months as healing continues.  Be sure to closely follow your surgeon's instructions for optimal results.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

You are still early in the healing process and what you are experiencing is not uncommon. Indentations and creases on the skin are normal at this point in time. Usually, it takes around 6 months to heal from a tummy tuck surgery. Your scars are also still tight and it takes around a year to fully heal. The best course of action would be to have a little more patience and wait for the full 6 months before concluding your results.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Great Question!You are still in the very early stages of recovery. There can be many irregularities while the healing process continues over the course of 3 months, 6 months and even up to a year! Keep an eye on things and communicate with your surgeon on the changes or if things don't seem to improve. Best Wishes.

Leonard Tachmes, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Scar maturation is a dynamic process which takes a year or so to achieve completion. Initially, the scar may be red, thick, and ropey. The skin may appear pinched and uneven. However, as scar remodeling and maturation occur, these irregularities flatten and soften. If a scar remains unfavorable at one year's time, scar revision may be considered. It is only occasionally required. 
The slight healing delay will most likely heal uneventfully.
Continue followup care with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

Michelle Bonness, MD · Answer

Thank you for the picture. Although this cannot replace an in office evaluation, you are still very swollen after surgery at 5 weeks. After a tummy tuck you can see the immediate improvement of the skin removal and muscle tightening.  But it takes months to see the full effect of all the body contouring with liposuction. That tissue hangs on to the fluid and the full shape is months down the road. Give this 6 months and then discuss with your Plastic Surgeon. If anything is uneven you should be able to get it touched up. Good luck.

Ekrem Keskin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes, usually evens out. Too early to make any decisions on your outcome.The slight healing delay will most likely heal uneventfully.Continue followup care with your plastic surgeon.

Michael Carlisle, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes, usually evens out. Too early to make any decisions on your outcome. Try to stay calm and don't stare at yourself in the mirror too much. Let the recovery happen. Hope this helps.

Tummy tuck 5 weeks post op and my hips have an indentation. Will they even out? (photos)

Answers (9)

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