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“Necrosis from Tummy Tuck of Non-smoker”

Not Sure
Spent: $8,000 in Jefferson City, MO

Comments (13)

Updated 31 Dec 2009

Posted 28 Dec 2009

I did tummy tuck because had c-section and 3 laproscopic surgeries over last 5 years. Had lots of scar tissue, muscle separation and some skin hangover. Active, 41 year old non-smoker, non-drinker, not diabetic and did not have infection. Very afraid of what is happening to me.

I had full abdominoplasty a little over a week ago. I am a non-smoker (never smoked ever), healthy 5'4" 130 pd mom of 4 kids. I developed skin/tissue necrosis in front. My PS cut out a big chunk of dead tissue, (4 in. long and 2 in. deep) and packed it, I'm to continue and follow up in a week. How is my skin going to grow back together if it is stuffed with gauze and so wide? Shouldn't I be on an anti-biotic? Very scared and unsure.

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

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My Doctor: Name not provided

I researched my PS and she came well recommended and has a good reputation in community. This is an unusual complication that has happened. I do feel uninformed or unsure of future and have unresolved concerns.

Comments (13)

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Samir Shureih, MD 2 Jan 2010
It is unfortunate when a complication does occur. Tissue necrosis is treated by deridement or cutting the dead portion, May require several small sessions then you will start seeing red tissue(Granulation tissue)starting to grow.The wound becomes smaller and smaller and finally close completely may take up to 6 weeks. Antibiotics are used only if you suspect infection. You will need to change the dressing and pack the wound atleast twice daily
View answers from Samir Shureih, MD
krystal1970 25 Jan 2011
After several debridements and Vac dressing for 6 weeks... mine was finally full of granulation tissue so that was around the 8 week mark. That also meant that it was wide open with no skin on it which took several weeks for the skin to move and migrate to cover the tissue and daily visits to the clinic for dressing changes as well as silver nitrate to ensure the tissue wasnt over-growing in some places. My surgery was Feb 4 and by June I still had dressing changes everyday. Camping last summer was a real treat... couldnt wear anything as the incision is just below my belly button which is where all the clothing sits these days... :( I would never have had the surgery if I had known this was possible.
Jules523 9 Jan 2012
I have had the same problems. My surgery was September 1 and I am still packing mine twice a day. Has anyone dealt with depression due to this?
cem9532 3 Jan 2010
I had my tummy tuck on 7-1-09 and I too had necrosis. I dont smoke am not diabetic, I have none of the main risk factors for necrosis. My whole was about the size of an egg. I could have stuck an egg in it and it would have fit perfectly. It was completely closed around mid to late september I think it was. It closes from the bottom up. It will get less and less deep. It is a pain in the but to deal with. The only thing I can figure is it was because I had lipo at the same time and I think thats why alot of doctors wont combine the two . Or because the doctor actually took of too much and sewed me up too tightly. Which of course he would never admit if he did. He said I will need a scar revision in a year. I am assuming he will not charge me for that. He said he can do that in office in about 20 min. I wish you the best of luck.
Washington9385 15 Jan 2011
My wife is going through the same thing. Although she was a smoker, quit 6 weeks before the TT, breast reduction and some lipo of the flanks. She has a 6.5 inches long and about 3.5 inches wide, oblong shaped.We have just started the gauze treatment damped with saline and covered up. My question to you is what does your wound look like now??? How is the skin???
kpb 16 Jan 2011
I'm sorry to hear she is going through that, it is scary and does take time for it to heal. It has now been year later for me. I do have a very small divot there (a little concave) but not much and the scar line is a little thicker and darker than the rest of the scar but not bad. But it did take a year for it to smooth and fade. At first the divot and scarring were pronounced and I thought for sure I would be getting a revision. But I am happy with results and healing now and I'm not sure it would be worth it to make it perfect. I can wear bikini bottoms and the divot or scar do not show or stand out. Best wishes and my advice is to do exactly as doctor says and give it time.
krystal1970 16 Jan 2011
My scar is horrendous... long and ribbon like. It is all streched as the skin can only move so far as it is attached to the belly button. I suppose if you like I could take a pic of it for you. It is a long healing process. My surgery was in Feb 10 and I still dont have a lot of feeling in my abdomen. Because I was in bed and off work for several weeks, with months of healing (I still had bandage changes into June), I ended up gaining a bunch of weight in other areas which now doesnt help the looks of my belly anyhow. My scar is about about 7" long and about 3" wide. Color isnt as bad as I thought it would be and is fading but is certainly noticable. I cant wear a bikini like I used to... my belly button looks horrible because of the skin that had to stretch and move because it was trying to fill in the space from where the necrotic skin was removed. Sorry I dont have good news for you. All you can do is take care of yourself and let yourself heal. In the end you will do what you need to. I dont even think a revision can help me. Send me your email addy if you like.
Krystal
krystal1970 16 Jan 2011
I am supposed to see my surgeon in another month or so... we'll see what he says :(
cem9532 17 Jan 2011
Well now my incision has a scar the shape of an egg in it. I will need a scar revision. My original tt was on 7-1-09. Last time I saw my surgeon was 9-14-10. He wanted to let the area "relax" a little more. What ever the hell that means. Then he will do the revision. I am suppose to schedule an appt with him in january. I may wait a little bit though since i gained some holiday weight. Last time i saw him he was asking if i gained weight and was i still exercising and put me on the scale to see if i was lieing. So i want to get it off before i see him. Its like 5-7lbs. I dont know why he cares its for a revision not a new procedure. I think my doctor is and ASS and i cant wait to not have to see his beedy little eyes again. Any way the revision will be free of charge and done in office. Your wife will probrably need one as well and it should be free as well.
krystal1970 10 Mar 2010
I am going through that as we speak. 5 weeks later, 3 debridements and at least one more coming, I am slowly healing. I have a vac machine now but did have gauze packing until I could get a vac, at which time my DR removed a lot of tissue. My "wound" is 24 cm long and 7 cm wide at its widest point. They tell me that it will close but I too wonder how I will regrow all that tissue. I have started to grow tissue from the inside out and my wound isnt as deep but who knows what this will look like. I just hope I dont have any other complications. I do have infection now too and am on antibiotics (round 2). My dr said revision is possible in 1 yr as well and can be done in office. Hmmm
krystal1970 10 Mar 2010
The other thing is that I would see the DR as often as he / she will see you to keep on top of the debridement so as not to get infection and remove tissue that needs to be removed. It isnt pleasant but helps it heal faster. I would recommend a Vac machine if you can get one as it is supposed to assist in the healing much cleaner and quicker. I had a difficult time keeping my skin dry in other areas when I was just packed with wet gauze to keep the site clean and damp.
Colorado Springs9523 23 Sep 2011
I am going through this right now too. I don't smoke, never have. I had my TT 2 weeks ago and thought I had dried blood just above my incision but it turned out to be dead skin! It was cut away and now I have a open wound that has to be packed twice a day. I'm pretty upset about this...
Positive 25 Feb 2012
Three week into my TT I have nicrosis.Very frightened .please every one out there don't have a TT not worth the suffering. Exercise and eat healthy. I am disgusted wit my PS.

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