I Had Fat Necrosis After Abdominoplasty. What Can I Do To Speed Healing and Reduce Scarring? (photo)

I’m 4 wks post op after abdominoplasty. A week ago, my PS dx fat necrosis at the incision under my belly button most likely related to an underlying draining seroma. My PS removed the necrotic tissue. I have been showering 3 times a day, dressing with sterile dressings and antibiotic ointment. Is there anything I can do to decrease the healing time and insure minimal scarring? How long should it take to heal at this highly stressed portion of my incision?

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Parker68 in West Hartford, CT

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Wound Healing Post Abdominoplasty Fat Necrosis

Your wound is very clean with a good bed of what is called granulation tissue. Wounds heal by two processes. One is contracture which is what has to happen to bring the wound together. Two is epithelization which occurs once the two edges of the scar are much closer together. Your Real Self team of plastic surgical experts agree that Regranex topical and a wound vac will speed the healing. These are both outpatient modalities which your plastic surgeon has access... more

Fat Necrosis After Abdominoplasty

Your surgeon seems to be taking the proper steps. You may ask your surgeon if he/she would advise the use of regranex or a wound vac. Healing will occur in 4 - 6 weeks. see video

Healing abdominoplasty wound

The wound will heal with conservative measures (dressing changes), but will like take a month or two. You may be able to enhance the healing process with either the use of Regranex ( topical) or a wound vac device. Both of these may be covered by your insurance, but you would need to check with your carrier. However, chances are that you will end up with a depressed scar in this area which you may wish to have revised 6-12 months after the wound is fully healed. Time will tell. more

Todd C. Case, MD

14 reviews

Tucson Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Wound Healing Problem

Thank you for sharing your pictures. I think your plastic surgeon is treating everything correctly. I find the key to fast healing is meticulous aftercare and close followup with your plastic surgeons. The more frequently the wound is cleaned and monitored, adjustments can be made to help expedite closure. At this stage, you have a layer of healthy granulation tissue and I would recommend a wound vac to promote faster healing.

I Had Fat Necrosis After Abdominoplasty. What Can I Do To Speed Healing and Reduce Scarring? (photo)

Appears as if you are receiving excellent care. Full healing of the area, as seen in the posted photo, will be done in 6 weeks.

Healing after tummy tuck

It sounds like your surgeon is doing all of the appropriate things. One thing which you may consider is adding a medication called Regranex, which has been shown to aid in wounding healing. However, the downside is that it is very expensive, however it does cut wound healing time in approximately half. If you have medical insurance your drug plan may cover the expense. You should inquire with your plastic surgeon whether he thinks this would be beneficial for you. Good luck more

Wound Vac May help

Aside from the care you have received, the most expeditious way to decrease healing time is with a wound vac. This applies negative pressure to the wound and improves blood flow and makes dressing changes much easier and less frequent. Good Luck

Fat Necrosis/ Wound after Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. Based on the picture and description, it sounds like your plastic surgeon is doing the right things and following you closely. The major principles here involve: removal of necrotic tissue, avoidance of damage to normal healthy tissue, treatment of infection if present, removal of any foreign body that may prevent healing ( exposed sutures), adequate nutrition/protein intake etc. Continue to avoid the use of and/or exposure to... more

Healing a tummy tuck wound

Because the wound was closed under tension, it is trying to pull apart rather than pulling together. So the healing forces need to fight that and it takes much longer. Being sure there is no necrotic tissue, no infection, great nutrition and close follow up are essential. A wound vac may also help to close this faster.