Blister on abdomen after my tummy tuck. Will I end up with a scar? (Photo)

Question

2 weeks after my FTT with lipo I developed a blister which eventually formed a dark circle underneath and popped. After reading on necrosis I called my PS who said he would evaluate it when I go in for my appt (Feb 19th) and watch for infection. Currently using bactroban and seems to be healing with granulation on the edges. I did remove the dark tissue with gentle scrubbing and has not become infected. My question is; will I end up with a scar?

James Murphy, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

That looks like a burn to me, probably from the diathermy, an electrical instrument for cauterising blood vessels during your operation. It is a full thickness injury and will unfortunately leave you with a scar. This could be improved at a later date but there will always be a permanent scar.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

I would be most interested in seeing what happened between the blister photograph and the eschar photograph. Did you see your surgeon after the blister formed? After it popped? Did this area get infected? Were you on oral, topical, or no antibiotics? What did your surgeon advise? Did you follow his instructions exactly? if things weren't getting better did you return to your surgeon?These are not to infer "blame" but to see just what occurred, since most of us have had blisters (sunburn, working in the garden, etc.) that heal easily and uneventfully without scar. This is indeed unusual.Based on the latter two photographs, this will heal with a scar, and it will be unsightly at first. Proper care as the scar matures (ultraviolet avoidance for 6-12 months or as long as the scar is pink, silicone scar sheeting or pads to soften, flatten, and fade the scar, scar massage, etc.) should be carried out under your surgeon's guidance. Scar revision can be considered after final maturation, which will take 6-12 months or rarely longer. But there will still be a permanent scar. Doing the right things now will help to minimize it. Continue in your surgeon's care. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

This necrotic wound is healing nicely.  You will end up with a scar.  It is an odd place for this to happen.

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

Looks like you are handling the wound well. Washing it with dove soap and waterin the shower is probably best applying some type of anti microbial Bacitracin etc are a conservative management method   It will take some time to heal  it will probably take a few months to heal    The redness will take 6 months to two years to disappear.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears as 'full thickness loss'. Allow healing than a possible scar revision after 6 months............

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I have sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced.  Unfortunately, because the wound is a “full thickness”, it is likely that you will end up with a scar in the area.  Of course, with time, wound contraction, and scar maturation, the appearance of the scar may be better than you are anticipating. Best wishes.

Blister on abdomen after my tummy tuck. Will I end up with a scar? (Photo)

Answers (6)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Body and face proportions after tummy tuck?

Is my belly button too big or regular size? (photos)

How long until Hematoma goes away?

5 months post op Tummy Tuck, pubic swelling (Ken doll syndrome). Is this much swelling at this stage normal? (photo)

Removing prolene permanent stitch 6 years post tummy tuck? (photos)

Would a patient need a blood transfusion after a Tummy Tuck, or a Brazilian Butt Lift?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS