Is This a Typical Tummy Tuck Scar?

Hello! Thank you for the question!  Your incision will continue to progress - the pleating will resolve and incision likely drop with time and stretching of area. It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids. These can usually be started at approximately 3-4 weeks postop and when incisions healed. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process. Scars will never disappear, but attempt is made to make the finest scar in a concealed location. Incisions may be revised to lower or conceal better if enough laxity exists. If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Thank you for the question and pictures.

At this point in time of your recovery, it is normal for your incision to appear puckered and raised. As the internal sutures dissolve, the scar will relax, flatten, and straighten out. During the first 2-4 months, the incision may look dark, pink, or red. It may take several months before you see a significant improvement in the appearance of the scar. However, with tincture of time, the scar will usually fade and smoothen out. There are many silicone products available, such as Hybrisil, to aid in the healing process and scarring.

Continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

 Best wishes.

Jessica, I totally agree with my colleagues about giving some time for your scar to heal and mature. However, I must ask about the qualifications of your surgeon. As you know, any licensed physician can identify themselves as a cosmetic surgeon and start performing cosmetic procedures such as Tummy tuck and liposuction.  I hope your surgeon was a board certified Plastic Surgeon. I personally would have removed the "dog-ear" before the end of the operation. Your dog ear would certainly require revision for optimum outcome.