Tummy tuck drain holes, 9 months post op, is it normal to have such deep indentations.

Question

I had a TT in May 2016. There are two very obvious "dimples" (indentations) where the drains were. Is it normal to have such deep indentations?I thought I would just have scars.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi.  It sometimes happens that the drain scars heal the way you describe yours have healed.  At 9 months postop, it is reasonable for you to ask your PS to revise those scars. It is fairly easy to do in the office without any significant downtime.  Best of luck!

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello,Indentations from the drains are typically not observed and at 9 months out may need revision to prevent that. Be sure to speak with your surgeon about this possibility. All the best!Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  It is possible that the areas where the drain comes out can scar and lead to a depression.  Without photographs it is difficult to say if yours are more severe than typical but typically a scar revision in your surgeon's office can be performed to improve the indentations. Hope this helps.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Without a photo or exam it is hard to say, but normally drain exit sites aren't very noticeable after the first 3-6 months. It could be that these areas can be revised in the office. Best of Luck!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

are unpredictable and what you have is not unexpected.  You should discuss revising those with your surgeon as all surgeons should want the best outcomes for their patients and indented scars do not fit that goal.

Julio C. Pena Encarnacion, MD · Answer

Just get in contact with your surgeon, they will easily adjust the skin so that the scar will be far less noticeable. And if necessary, skin grafts can be used to give shape and volume to those spots.

J. Joseph Danyo, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck drain scars occur because it takes time for them to heal resulting in scar tissue. If they are along the incision revising them is a simple office procedure. If they are in the mons pubis area revising them is simple but the scars are somewhat visible.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

This is easy to fix with a short in office procedure. Ask your plastic surgeon for an evaluation and plan.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

Sometimes the scar "column" at the drain site (like a cord of scar down into the tissues) contracts more than desired. At this point it is not likely to improve but can be rather easily improved with a small revision under local anesthesia.

Tummy tuck drain holes, 9 months post op, is it normal to have such deep indentations.

Answers (9)

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