4 weeks Post op Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair, does my belly button look normal? (photos)
I am 4 weeks post op and I am really unhappy with the way my belly button looks. It's bumpy inside and not round like I see on other people who have had tummy tucks. I am also concerned about my scar in the middle of my tummy which is above the horizontal scar going up towards my belly button. That is also raised and bumpy and is not smooth. And the skin has not fused together properly leaving a flap of skin on top. Is this normal?
Doctor Answers 4
At this point in your recovery, it is much too soon to be worried about the outcome. It takes time for the swelling to resolve. It may be 6 months or more before the shape has reached its final look. Be patient. Watch your physical activity. Everyone is different.
Web reference: http://www.plasticsurgery-sanantonio.com/body/tummy-tuck/
At this point in your recovery, it is much too soon to be worried about the outcome. It takes time for the swelling to resolve. It may be 6 months or more before the shape has reached its final look. Be patient. Watch your physical activity. Everyone is different.
Learn more: http://www.plasticsurgery-sanantonio.com/body/tummy-tuck/
Most patients will be placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next six weeks. You can return to full activity without restrictions at 6 weeks.
Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Also, 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.
Web reference: http://www.horowitzmd.com/plastic-surgery-procedures-newport-beach/abdominoplasty/
Most patients will be placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next six weeks. You can return to full activity without restrictions at 6 weeks.
Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Also, 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.
Learn more: http://www.horowitzmd.com/plastic-surgery-procedures-newport-beach/abdominoplasty/
It can take several months for the belly button to be normal. At this time, it is best to just try to have patience as things will certainly look better in several weeks. Best wishes.
It can take several months for the belly button to be normal. At this time, it is best to just try to have patience as things will certainly look better in several weeks. Best wishes.
You might also like...
*Treatment results may vary
Related content
you are really early. tough to tell in the pictures your naval issues. I am sure you were told about the vertical scar preop. give things 6 months and see how they look . adjustments can be made then
you are really early. tough to tell in the pictures your naval issues. I am sure you were told about the vertical scar preop. give things 6 months and see how they look . adjustments can be made then
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
You might also like...
Related Content
6 Months Post-op Tummy Tuck - Bad Dog Ears and Belly Button Scar....
10 doctor answers
I have loose skin after a full Tummy Tuck. Is this normal? (photos)
13 doctor answers
Is This a Typical Tummy Tuck Scar?
20 doctor answers
Still wearing spanx tank top during the day and binder at night...
6 doctor answers
Ask a Doctor
Get personalized answers from board-certified doctors. For free.
Tummy Tuck Pictures
*Treatment results may vary
Tummy Tuck Pictures
*Treatment results may vary
