8 months post mommy makeover - is it normal to have fibrosis this far out? (photos)

Question

I got breast implants and tummy tuck also got lipo on back in July,2022. I am currently 8 months post op. I have had some lumps near my rib cage and sent photos to my surgeon in Mexico and was told it’s fibrosis when I was 3 months post op. I still have the lumps and t doesn’t really hurt unless I’m cosntalty massging them. I was wondering if this is normal? My doctor said it could take up to a year or so for it to get better. The scar near belly button is from a recent burn not surgery.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether it's normal to have fibrosis eight months after a mommy makeover. Fibrosis is just a fancy word for scar tissue. Your body's natural reaction to surgery is the creation of scar tissue. This is how the body heals, so it's normal to have fibrosis even eight months after a mommy makeover. It may be normal to have fibrosis up to two years after a mommy makeover. I think you are doing the right thing in massaging the scars. Deep tissue massage helps to break up the collagen and the scar tissue within the lump. You may consider a professional massage or even the application of a deep tissue massage machine like a Theragun. This helps to break up deep scar tissue. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding whether it's normal to have fibrosis eight months after a mommy makeover. 
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Yes it is. Think of fibrosis like an internal scar. Like a scar, there will always be fibrosis after surgery. Some scars are nice and thin and you can barely see or feel them. While others are thick and itchy or even painful. Same thing with fibrosis. Sometimes fibrosis is uncomfortable and uneven. It can even be painful….. but it usually gets better with time. Massages and pressure also help.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

Fibrosis is the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of the body's natural healing process. After a mommy makeover, which typically involves a combination of procedures like breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction, it's not uncommon to experience some degree of fibrosis as your body heals and repairs itself.
However, the extent and duration of fibrosis can vary widely among individuals. Factors such as your body's healing response, genetics, surgical techniques, and post-operative care can all influence the presence and persistence of fibrosis. In some cases, mild fibrosis might still be present 8 months after surgery, but this isn't necessarily indicative of a problem. Scar tissue and fibrosis can take several months or even up to a year or more to fully mature and settle.
If you're concerned about the level of fibrosis you're experiencing, it's best to consult your surgeon or a medical professional who can assess your condition. They can provide a more accurate evaluation based on your individual circumstances and may recommend specific treatments or techniques to manage fibrosis if necessary.
Remember, any post-surgical concerns or changes in your recovery should be addressed by a qualified medical professional to ensure your safety and well-being.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to be examined to determine what is the problem. From your photos, I can see your ribs outlined which is normal.  Go back to your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say what is occurring without an examination.  Massage may help to break up scar tissue.  It appears you may have a hypertrophic scar as well.  You can consider scar revision to improve this a year after surgery.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The 2 posted photos do not show fibrosis. But fibrosis is a semi-permanent issue. Maybe virtual consult could demonstrate the fibrosis? I see spread, hypertrophic TT scarring, that needs revision.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The results of liposuction are final at three months and will not change by waiting longer. Your procedure looks like it was done reasonably well. I’m assuming you had how many tummy tuck since you have virtually no scar around your belly button and your primary incision has severe hypertrophy and hyper pigmentation.
Liposuction results are a direct reflection of how the procedure was performed, and each individual persons candidacy for the procedure. I do not recommend anybody travel long distances to have elective surgical procedures. When people travel to have surgery, then they should expect to need to travel to have their follow up visits.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Jose Segura, MD, PhD - Account Suspended · Answer

Good morning, looking at your photos if you have fibrosis and your scar has keloid scarring and with this confirms the fibrosis, it is therefore suggested to see your doctor to improve the results of your healing, since it may not have a satisfactory long-term result.Greetings.

8 months post mommy makeover - is it normal to have fibrosis this far out? (photos)

Answers (8)

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