Is there any way to avoid necrosis after tummy tuck surgery?

Yes; there is a way to minimize skin necrosis. Traditionally a tummy tuck is done by undermining / undercutting skin from the lower abdominal incision all the way to the rib cage. This disconnects all the blood vessels attached to the skin that has been undercut. I do a modified version of a tummy tuck that preserves most of these blood vessels; this technique (pending trademark) also allows me to do aggressive liposuction at the same time, something that cannot be done with the traditional technique. Although the risk is still there (especially in a smoker), it is as low as it gets. I have personally never had skin necrosis with this operation using the technique I use.This technique also helps me remove more excess skin (as the attached photo will show), and still keep the scar very low, something the traditional TT  technique cannot do.

Don't smoke, wear compression, be diabetic, obese, or nutritionally compromised. Watch your activity, don't have lipo at the same time.

Thanks for your inquiry, the things you can do is to be nicotine free a month before surgery and a month after.  Unfortunately, it does occassional happen to all surgeons in the best designed and performed surgeries, good luck.

Thank you for your question.  The risk of skin necrosis is low but can occur as a complication of surgery. Avoiding nicotine products and your surgeons instructions will minimize risks.  Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.  Best wishes. 

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

The only way to absolutely guarantee no necrosis is to NOT have the surgery.  Short of that, there will always be a risk.  The necrosis risk is due to the fact that the blood supply is compromised during the dissection of the tissue, and further compromised by putting the tissue under tension on closing.  Hopefully, the surgery is done in such a way that remaining blood supply can maintain the tissues in a healthy state until healing is complete.Risks increase with some diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, etc.  Other things that can contribute include obesity, poor physical health, and SMOKING.  Improper application of binders may also lead to tissue necrosis.So I would say the best way to avoid necrosis is to get into great shape, stop smoking, get diseases under control, get weight optimized, and have a frank discussion with your doctor to determine what steps you should take.  Sometimes, it is best not to have surgery, especially if you cannot get risks down to an acceptable level.Hope this helps.Sek

Skin necrosis should be a minimal risk when the procedure is planned and done properly, though it is a possibility. The things that increase its risk are smoking (I do not do this procedure on anyone who has smoked within 2 months of surgery), previous upper abdominal surgery such as an open gallbladder removal and radiation. Make sure you see a board certified plastic surgeon who can weigh all the risks and minimize them.