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Tummy Tuck - Skin Necrosis and Wound Care (photos)

After surgery my surgeon said I would need wound care.Skin where the two incisions met was already black.It has been 3 weeks & now there are several areas that are black,open, or seeping. The surgeon said she would see me back in a week, told me to use DMSO & vaseline.Keeps getting worse, I asked her if she was going to cut off the black skin, she said no it acts as a barrier. Should I seek another opinion? Or does it get worse before it gets better? Very concerned since I am a type I diabetic.

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Cac75 in Maryland

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (1)

Different wounds require different care

Hello, Thank you for the photos. If your wound necrosis (poor blood supply to tissue) is limited to the skin only then yes local wound care alone would suffice. If there is dead tissue under the skin such as dead fat wound healing may take a long time and may increase your chance for infection especially if your are a diabetic. Its hard to know what the right answer is but sometime it is better, although requiring more time and money, to go back in and remove the dead... more

#TummyTuck - Skin Necrosis and Wound Care (photos) ANS:

It sounds right. It is not uncommon for such a big surgery and with Diabetes. And it may get worse before it gets better but your treatment sounds right and at some point your surgeon may want to trim out a little of the black stuff....But you should ultimately heal fine!

Necrosis after abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

Marginal skin necrosis is more common in patients with diabetes. Conservative measures are indicated as long as the tissues are dry. When the dead tissue turns from dry to wet and when the eschar (black area) starts weeping and separating then debridement is indicated. If you experience spreading redness, fevers, or suppuration (pus) call your surgeon: debridement should be performed. Ultimately you will heal. A scar revision may be necessary... more

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Wound healing

It looks like you had a complex surgery (both a vertical and horizontal component to you abdominoplasty) and have some superficial wound separation and necrosis. From what is apparent, it looks like conservative treatment like your surgeon is recommending is the correct short term course as long as you do not develop an infection of the area. After the area is allowed to heal secondarily, you may then consider a scar revision. However, this should all be carefully monitored... more

Tummy Tuck - Skin Necrosis and Wound Care (photos)

Either see your surgeon more frequently for in person wound care or seek other care opinions in person.

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Comments (1)

Cac75
9 months ago

Thank you for replying. The surgeon cut away the dead tissue and fat underneath. I now have a deep and round hole. I have an appointment with wound care tomorrow. The surgeon said she thinks a wound vac is the best wound care method with a home care nurse.

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