Dry Skin after Surgery. I am so curious what causes it

Question

I had a breast augmentation last year and a tummy tuck a couple weeks ago. My recovery for both times have been fantastic, There is only one minor issue that I seem to be unable to find the answer anywhere: For each of the above-mentioned surgeries, a week or 2 after, my skin starts to slough off. It isn't exactly dry, but just flakes off allover the body. I am so curious what causes it and greatly appreciate the experts' light shed upon the matter.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question and congratulations on your two procedures!  Dry skin accompanies most surgical procedures as a result of the temporary tissue swelling that takes place with any operation.  This temporary stretch causes the skin to produce/have more of the outer skin than it needs and once the swelling resolves, this skin sloughs off.  Aggressive treatment with moisturizer helps minimize or prevent this from occurring.  Hope this helps.

Steven H. Wiener, MD · Answer

This is a great question, as many patients have the same concerns.  The surgical prep, and dressings will dry your skin.  Dehydration and swelling also contribute to dry skin.  This is temporary and can be treated with a good quality moisturizer. Garments and support bras also tend to absorb some natural oils from your skin.

Stephen M. Krant, MD, FACS · Answer

Normal...Body creams...The most important treatment is to keep the skin moisture. I have all of my patients use Sente topical creams and Epionce body creams.
If your augmentation and tummy tuck are ok, then treat your skin with moisture...You will be very happy with results! Good luck!

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

Interesting question - my guess is this is related to hyperkeratosis of the skin that was exposed to surgical trauma. It may also be garment related - I've seen this with both breast and body patients.

Yucel Sarialtin, MD · Answer

thank you for your question, after a surgery it is normal to feel and see the dehydrated skin due to edema and swelling, for this I recommend you to drink a lot of water and apply moisturizing emulsion in your body.
Good luck!

T. Randall Blanchard, MD, FACS · Answer

I am not sure what causes this, but I have seen it in many of my patients. I tell my patients to liberally use a hydrating moisturizer until the problem clears, usually in a couple of weeks. Good luck.

Navid Jallali, MB ChB (Hons), MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

This is a very interesting question and thank you for posting. There are any factors that lead to dry skin but the main reason is swelling. I would recommend moisturising your skin twice a day for 12 months post surgery.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The dryness can be caused by a wide variety of factors such as swelling.  Be sure that you are staying hydrated and following the instructions of your plastic surgeon.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

This can sometimes be due to the swelling in the tissue or local skin irritation from the prep solutions in the operating room. An unscented, non-allergenic moisturizer and time usually does the trick. #PlasticSurgery #Dryskin

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

After an operation such as a mommy makeover the skin response to the trauma by exuberant production of epidermal cells. This layer can thicken and make the skin appear dry. Washing the area and immediately covering with a moisturizer manages the issue.

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Dry Skin after Surgery. I am so curious what causes it

Answers (14)

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