Is this normal 4 weeks after Tummy tuck? Red and itchy rash. (photos)

 A rash near the incision after tummy tuck can often be related to some type of irritant like Neosporin or bacitracin ointment or tissue adhesives that are used during surgery. The linear area of redness is unusual. You might ask your plastic surgeon if any high definition liposuction was used to create some rectus etching. Elimination of the irritants and Benadryl or hydrocortisone cream Will usually help the situation resolved. Do you stay in close communication with your plastic surgeon and ask if you need to see a dermatologist.  

Hi CBK1975,Swelling can persist for
several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months,
six months, and even one year. It may take several months for a tummy tuck
patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the
tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery,
abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may
stay red, become thick or widen . It can take 12-18 months for the scars to
settle.

These can be improved with topical treatments
such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard , Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved
with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as
Embrace.On occasion, keloids or
hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU
and laser. In my opinion, you could be dealing with an allergic reaction to the tape or glue. If your symptoms persist, I suggest seeking an in-person consult with your physician.#postop #redness #swelling #topicaltreatments

Overall you look like you are healing well. There is definitely visible redness and your itching points to some type of irritant. Make sure you have not tried new soap or detergent. Usually these things pass with time and topical treatment. Benadryl and can also work to calm the itching. If things get worse make sure you follow up with your surgeon

 It is unusual that your rash has not responded to Cortizone. It would be worth having a dermatologist take a look at your skin. The linear streaking line is also very uncharacteristic  of a typical allergic rash. Please stay in close contact with your plastic surgeon and let him know if you're experiencing any systemic symptoms. Benadryl may be a good option to treat the itching symptomatically  you could use either the cream or the pills. 

Hello dear, thanks for posting the picture - it makes answering the question much more informative for other patients and allows us to give you more specific advice. As stated by others, scars go through a natural progression. I always tell patients to expect the scar to change over the first six week - at six to eight weeks, the scar may be the reddest and thickest. Then, over the next six to 8 weeks the scar will mature and become softer, thinner and less red. So, you are right at the point where it is expected that the scar is red. You will be very surprised at how much the scar will improve over the next few months. If your scar keep itching I suggest to have a closely comunication with your PS. Good luck :)

Sorry to hear that you are having rash.You may be having allergic reaction to glue or tape.If hydrocortisone cream is not working, you should consult a dermatologist for treatment recommendation.Meanwhile, you can take Benadryl for pruritus.

The red streak is more concerning than the redness around the scar or the belly button. Are you having fevers, or chills and sweats? Mention this to your plastic surgeon.