What Type of Tummy Tuck Scar Revision Do I Need?

Q: Dr. Eppley,  I had a tummy tuck last year. I am mostly happy with the results, but have a small shelf above the scar that doesn’t go away with weight loss. There is also a small dimple at the end of the scar on one hip. The scar is also still very dark and obvious. I was hoping to get some advice on what we could do to reduce these issues. Thank you for any assistance.

A: Many tummy tucks require secondary revision for optimal results. The two most common revision needs are dog years or dimples at the end of the lower abdominal scar line and residual subcutaneous fat fullness above the scar line. The latter is due to the difference in the subcutaneous fat thickness from the upper abdominal skin flap that is brought down and attached to the lower scar line for closure after the wide excision and removal of the excess lower abdominal tissues.

While I cannot speak for your darker scar line since I have not seen any pictures of it but by nine months after the surgery the improvement in the scar is probably not likely. 

As a result, based on your verbal description alone you would probably benefit by complete abdominal scar revision with liposuction of the abdominal fat shelf above it. Fortunately such secondary tummy tuck revisions are nothing like undergoing the original procedure in terms of

recovery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon