Hello,The main thing to avoid is smoking. Nicotine and other substances in cigarettes is known to delay wound healing. The other is to avoid over doing it, as excess activity can pull on your belly button and your incision. Other than that, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your follow-ups. All the best!Dr. BlaggAustin, TX
Dear NewBodi16,The circulation is always reduced and most vulnerable in the midline just above the middle of the incision. There is always going to be risk of skin or fat necrosis. Smoking is an absolute no no because carbon monoxide displaces oxygen delivery to the tissues and the nicotine causes constriction of the blood vessels. If the tension on the flap being pulled down is too tight, this will also contribute. Patients should walk bent at the hips in order to relieve tension on the incision. Preoperative selection is important that the fat layer under the skin is not too thick. I hope this has been helpful. Robert D. Wilcox, MD
