Treatment for Fat Necrosis After Tummy Tuck?

I'm 7 weeks post tummy tuck. I had a vertical incision (1 inch). I have fat necrosis (small area) at the junction where the two incisions meet. I feel a lot of tension on this area when I stand. I am a non-smoker. My doctor says to take two showers per day and dress it with gauze. I've read others who say they were told to keep the area dry and given a solution. Does my doctor's suggestions sound correct?

Tags:

Comment on this

6 Doctor Answers | Asked by philsfan in PA

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (0)

Fat necrosis.

Fat necrosis is a common problem after procedures such as tummy tucks, breast reductions, and body contouring. Fat necrosis presents as a firm or indurated area that typically feels like a nodule or mass. Time is the primary treatment. Some advocate massage or ultrasound to soften the area. In my practice, I usually wait anywhere from 3 to 6 months. If the area is softening, we continue to wait. If it persists, excision is recommended.

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Fat necrosis

Thanks for you inquiry. Fat necrosis and wound problems are common at the t-junction of a combination vertical-horizontal abdominoplasty. I prefer dry wounds and dressings but the most important advice I can give you is that follow your surgeon's instructions. We each have reasons for our woundcare which allow to reliably achieve proven results. Good luck.

Tummy tuck healing

Delayed healing can occur after a tummy tuck. Showers help keep the wound clean and I usually recommmend those as well if there are wound healing issues. Follow your surgeons instructions. If you have questions about that you should contact him.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Delayed healing not uncommon

Your experience with delayed healing is not uncommon after "tummy tuck" (abdominoplasty"). The good news is that your surgeon is tending to your problem and that you will eventually heal completely. It is good that you are not a smoker as that can definitely delay healing and even exposure to second-hand smoke can be a problem. Regarding the choice of wound care, there are many options. The basic principles include wound cleansing as with washing and... more

Fat Necrosis after Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. Based on your description I think you are experiencing a not uncommon complication after tummy tuck surgery. Generally, it is best to treat the situation conservatively and allow the area of necrosis to “declare itself”; surgical debridement at this time may result in removal of healthy tissue as well. Also generally it is best to follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations as opposed to online consultants'. Your... more

Treatment for Fat Necrosis After Tummy Tuck?

Each surgeon treats their wound healing issue in their own manner. Best to follow your chosen surgeon's plan, unless you are not improving. Than a second opinion.