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Hyperemia 1 Week After Tummy Tuck- Could I Reoccur?

asked 6 months ago by NYtrimomof2
Latest answer by Remus Repta, MD
Question viewed 70 times
Tags: 2 weeks post-op, blood supply, reoccur , worried

I had a tummy tuck 2 weeks ago. I'm 5' 9" and 138 lbs, non-smoker, mom of two kids. I am also very fit as I am a runner. About 5 days after my surgery the skin on my abdomen above the incision turned red and warm to touch. Of course I saw my surgeon and he felt that somehow the blood flow had become temporarily compromised but then recovered and became hyperemic.It is much better but still slightly red in color. Could this happen again 2 weeks out?

3 answers to Hyperemia 1 Week After Tummy Tuck- Could I Reoccur?

+1

Hyperemia vs Cellulitis

Hello, Hyperemia is the physiologic increase in blood flow to the skin by the relaxation (vasodilation) of the small vessels in the skin. Cellulitis is the increased blood flow to an area as a response to an infection. As you can see the two can be very hard to differentiate sometime since both processes involve increased blood flow. Cellulitis, however, is usually much warmer, red-er, and it is usually tender (unless the area is temporarily numb such as a tummy tuck... more
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

Concerns about hyperemia of skin following a tummy tuck

There are a few issues that can cause the "hyperemia". Generally if there has been improvement as you indicated, you don't smoke and are not exposed to it, you follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon, etc. you will probably be at an ever decreasing risk over time of this becoming a significant clinical issue. The real concern is for loss or death of the tissue which can result in delayed healing issues and large/wide scars. Given the information that you provided (and... more
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

+1

Hyperemia after Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. Yes “hyperemia" may recur several times in a few months after tummy tuck surgery. You should be evaluated frequently for signs of infection; once this is ruled out that observation is all that is required. During the course of the tummy tuck procedure elevation of the abdominal wall flat does compromise arterial inflow and venous outflow; it will take several months (or longer) for the abdominal wall flap to regain a normal... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

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