Necrosis or scab 5wk post tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

I have my full tummy tuck done 5 weeks ago with a vertical scar that doesn't seem to heal. Now it's scabing over, my plastic surgeon said it will fall off by itself but I'm scare of necrosis. I'm seeing him in 2 days and will ask for wound debribement. Should I be worried? It is completely dried and the scab seems to get smaller as the week goes by.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon6

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Thanks for the question and excellent photos.It is common to have some wound issues when a vertical scar is used during a tummy tuck. From the photos, it does not seem that you have an infection. Sometimes being patient and doing simple wound care will get the best results.As long as you are not showing signs of infection: fever, redness, pain and foul drainage, then its best to let the wound close. A debridement will result in a larger wound that will require more complicated wound care and a longer time to heal.Once the wound is closed and a year has gone by, your plastic surgeon can try to remove the scars without much risk.Good Luck.

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello, This is a common area to have wound healing delays. However, your area appears healthy and free of infection. One option is to remove the scab and do wound care, but it's often better to allow the scab to stay there as your body's own "dressing" and it will fall off when the underside has healed. All the best,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear redmesa104,this type of wound is not uncommon after tummy tuck. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jane M. Rowley, MD · Answer

That is an area of necrosis that has formed a scab or dry eschar. Necrosis is not uncommon in that spot on the wound.  It is caused by decreased blood supply and tension.  It looks clean and should heal in with the possibility of a slightly thicker scar in that area.  Talk to your surgeon about your concerns.  Good luck, Jane.

Necrosis or scab 5wk post tummy tuck? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck incision

Answer: Tummy tuck incision

Answer: Wound healing

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Necrosis or scab 5wk post tummy tuck? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck incision

Answer: Tummy tuck incision

Answer: Wound healing

Answer: Wound healing

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.