Tummy Tuck: Q&A

Ask a Question

Underwent TT with Lipo of Flanks 11/2. Have Had a Tough Recovery. Chose a PS with over 30year Experience?

In NYC. Developed severe allergic reaction to steri strips and BB area hard/red. PS rec medrol dose pack and hydrocortisone. Also told me to stop wearing spanx ( never had compression garnet). Looks exactly same. Went to a dermatologist for 2nd opinion. Was told I have a infection/cellulitis of umbilical area. I have lost faith in PS, surgical site looks horrible ...still struggling with intense itching, redness and hardness. Do I go back to PS? should I wear Spanx? Help!

Tags:

allergic cellulitis infection reaction after pregnancy 6 weeks post-op steri strips

Comment on this

8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Cjoy11

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (1)

Post

Sounds like you have contact dermatitis. It is very commonly caused by neosporin and responds very well to a steroid cream

Contact Dermatitis versus Cellulitis

Hello, I would put my money on the surgeon. I have had multiple incidences of allergic reaction to tape/glue, and a few were very intense with blisters, weeping, redness, and scabs. I'm sure other non-surgical doctors not familiar with this reaction in a surgical patient would call it an infection too. However, all treated with steroids (topical and internal), and occasionally with topical antibiotics (Neosporin like ointments). Contact dermatitis can take weeks,... more

Recovery after tummy tuck/liposuction

It's important to continue follow up with your plastic surgeon, especially when you are not having a smooth recovery. What you described is not conclusive for infection. It's quite common to have persistant swelling, redness, itching and hardness around the belly button and lower abdomen for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. The main thing is your condition should gradually getting better, not worsen. If you truly feel that your current plastic surgeon is not working out for you, then seeking 2nd... more

You might also like...

Real Stories

TT July 1st - Counting Down the Days - San Diego, CA

I'm 57, I have 5 grown children and 12 grandchildren to date - Dr Pousti did my BA and...

Before + After Photos

View 4303 Tummy Tuck photos

Post TT complications

I am sorry to hear about your compications. You should continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon and, if you still have concerns, to seek a second opinion from another board certified plastic surgeon. A diagnosis of infection should be confirmed with a wound culture. I woke expect redness two weeks postop. Some patients are allergic to surgical tape or steristrips but, while this creates discomfort, it should not affect the result in terms of abdominal contour. I recommend postop... more

Hello

Without a picture or exam its very hard to say what can be going on. You should return to your PS for post op care. You are still swollen it takes 6-9 months for swelling to subside.

Tummy tuck and rash

Without an actual examination it is hard to determine whether an infammation( allergic reaction) or infection (cellulitis) is present. Allergic rashes from steristrips can take time to completely resovle, even with steroid treatment. It is always best in this situation to follow up with your original surgeon first. If you seek another opinion ,it would be best to see another plastic surgeon, rather than a dermatologist.

Tough Recovery

Sorry to hear about the difficulties you have been having. It is hard to make any specific comments without seeing photos. It may be what looks horrible to you may reflect the rash and or inflammation, and may well have no bearing upon your final outcome. I can't tell from your question if the cellulitis that has been diagnosed has been treated or not. I do feel that the best post-op care you can get will be from your surgeon, and I would urge continued follow up. Post-op instructions... more

Go back to PS

If you had no response to the medrol dose pack and hydrocortisone recommended by your plastic surgeon, let your plastic surgeon know this so he can make an adjustment. If you want a second opinion after plastic surgery, see a plastic surgeon, not a dermatologist.

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (1)

Cjoy11
7 months ago

My PS sent me to his own dermatologist! I called 3 ps offices for 2nd opinion and not 1 would see me. Thank you for answers. Any PS in westchester/Fairfield/NYC area willing to see me, please let me know.

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.