Is this vertical swelling/crease in the middle of my abdomen after TT normal? (Photos)

Question

I’m only 2 days post-op but I am curious if the crease in the middle of my abdomen is normal and due to swelling? Also, will my belly button shape change as I heal? Thanks so much for any input, I have already spoke to my doctor but was interested in getting other opinions.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear Mmso,Thank you for your question. Yes the crease you can see can happen during the recovery period. As the swelling subsides and your skin accommodates to the tummy tuck this will usually resolve itself.Good luck,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  Real Self Hall of Fame

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. You are obviously early in the recovery process with significant swelling. Considering you are only 2 days post op, you look pretty good. Continue to follow up closely with your surgeon. Best,

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. I am glad you have consulted with your surgeon. He will be correct if he mentioned that you are very early in your recovery process and to be patient until all healing takes place. Be patient. If concerns persist after a few weeks, please consult a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Mmso,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a tummy tuck surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Swelling is common and expected after a tummy tuck.  You are very early in the process and won't see your final results for 6-9 months.  Until then the best advice is to keep in contact with your surgeon and follow all post op instructions.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) It is still very early after your procedure. Swelling may last for 3-6 months. Be patient, and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation, discomfort and irregularities are normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Duncan B. Hughes, MD · Answer

Good afternoon. Thank you for reaching out. Yes, this can be a very common Early postoperative result. The swelling Is contributing to shape an orientation of your abdomen and your belly button. This will relax and subside.  Compression garments are Integral in the recovery of a tummy tuck.  Have patience, and so far looks great! Good luck.

Robert J. Paresi Jr., MD, MPH · Answer

Thanks for the question.  Yes there is often a midline crease after a tummy tuck.  Sometimes this is related to the preoperative abdominal shape.  The midline of the abdomen is often a zone of adhesion with a midline crease.  This can also be created with intraoperative liposuction of the crease.  The crease can also be created by tethering at the belly button which will improve over time.

Is this vertical swelling/crease in the middle of my abdomen after TT normal? (Photos)

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