6 weeks post tummy tuck burning sensitive skin along the scar, in particular, the bulging area is shown in the picture. (Photo)

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Within a few hours following surgery, abdominoplasty patients will walk in a slightly bent-over position. Strenuous activity and lifting of more than 10 pounds should be avoided for six weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work and daily activities within two weeks of surgery.Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate. You can return to full activity without restrictions at 6 weeks.It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to settle.These can be improved with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as Embrace.  On occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.As questions arise with the healing process, regarding swelling, scars, infections or others, it is always best to visit your surgeon to have the area examined and make sure that healing is progressing as it should. There is always the potential for a problem and your own surgeon knows your personal case the best and can give the most experienced advice. Good luck.

It is hard to tell you what the problem may be without examining you. Scars can at times end up being sensitive. This is due to fine nerve ending being cut when you under go surgery. If you do not have an any other problem, you need to persevere with massaging the area and desensitising the scar. This will be hard to do initially, but the more often you do it, the less sensitive the scar will get. On the other hand, you may have a stich granuloma or abscess that may be causing inflammation or infection in the marked area. You may have a small seroma (collection of fluid) that is pointing at the area of bulging. You ideally need to see your plastic surgeon.

I appreciate your question.

 It is not possible to comment without examining you.  I would recommend that you contact your surgeon to discuss your concerns at this time.
For my patients, I recommend strenuous activity and heavy lifting be avoided for 6-8 weeks following surgery.
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon