Skin necrosis or bruising after full tt and lipo? (photos)

Question

I'm day 7 postop from a full tummy tuck with lipo of the flanks. I also have a big blister from the adhesive tape ( seen in 2nd photo). My compression garment has been much too tight and I have had to readjust it. I've noticing pleating and swollen creases at the incision site maybe from the garment? I am worried about the bruising I have seen over the last couple days and don't know if this looks like necrosis or just dark bruising? Also Will the creases go away on their own?

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The bruising appears normal in the photographs provided following liposuction and TT.   Blisters can be caused by some of the compression garments.  There is nothing to worry about and please contact your plastic surgeons office.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

From the photographs the skin looks completely viable. However severe bruising often indicates a deeper hematoma. I would have your surgeon check this.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,At one week post op, bruising and swelling will appear the worst. Pleating/puckering of the incision is normal for a time until inflammation resolves and tissues settle. The scar will tighten as it matures. Bruising should resolve over the next week but if you note new, concerning swelling or bruising let your Plastic Surgeon know. Superficial blisters should heal well with conservative wound care.All the best

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Anthony Barabas, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

I agree with the previous comments, and you should contact your plastic surgeon. However from the photos it appears to just be bruising and is mainly around the flanks where the liposuction was performed. It is very common to come out in worse bruises where liposuction is performed, than in areas of excisional surgery (removal of the excess skin and fat). It is too early to comment on the creases, but liposuction will encourage some skin retraction, so the creases are quite likely to settle. A well fitting compression garment is advisable.

Richard Rosenblum, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question, however you need to be directing these questions to your surgeon,  you are very early post op and should be seen.                        Good Luck

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.The photos you posted show that you have some bruising and not skin necrosis. This is completely expected after a tummy tuck and liposuction, it usually gets worse before it gets better. The creasing you are referring to will also relax over time, you are swollen and very early in the healing process. Stay patient and good luck with healing.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and congratulations on your surgery.  Based on your pictures alone it appears that the discoloration is bruising and not skin necrosis.  This should clear in the next 7-10 days time and you may want to consider the use of supplements like arnica and bromelain to help clear the bruising faster.  Creases that are created by the garment do resolve spontaneously over time as your swelling from surgery resolves.  The compression garment should be snug, but not so tight as to create pain.  Hope this helps.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and your photo.although it looks like bruising in your photo, it is very important for you to visit your surgeon and talk this over with him/her.best of luck

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is hard to say from such limited views. It looks like mostly bruising in the photo from what I can see. If you have any concerns, speak to your surgeon.

Skin necrosis or bruising after full tt and lipo? (photos)

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