Lipo burn or tape burn? Need guidance! (Photo)

Question

Was advised by my plastic surgery that this was a tape chemical burn used during my tummy tuck/ lipo surgery. I am not sure this is the case. He advised me to use neosporin to treat the area. However I've started using Curad Sliver Solution (55ppm) and polysporin Should I get a second opinion?

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

I cannot tell exactly where that is on your body. I do a lot of BBL cases in my practice, and I routinely use lipo foam and medpore tape at the end of the case before placing the patient in the garment which is one size too small. I ask them to stay in the garment for one week straight. I have seen  similar blisters from the tape contact (much smaller and not as extensive). I have seen it in areas where lipo was not carried out, but where tape was in place. Some people's skin is just more sensitive and they do  not do well with the tape. I also have seen not blisters but hyperpigmention where the tape was in place. Keeping the area moist with neosporin or bacitracin is fine. Do not pick the area. Let him take care of everything.

Robert V. Mandraccia, MD · Answer

This is most likely from tape, though the use of the silver compund may well give you that dark pigment. Be sure to protect from the sun until,fully healed.. I would avoid Neosporin as it can cause skin problems. Use polysporin if advised by your PS.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

What you describe is most likely neither thermal burn nor from a chemical reaction.
When large amounts of tape are put on and especially if they're put on snuggly before a surgical procedure or tissues are expected to swell after The tape will cost sharing force against the skin.
This causes the capillaries are very small blood vessel's that supply the skin to be squeezed.
The resulting injury it's from a lack of the delivery of oxygen noticing ischemic injury
This is very similar to people in nursing homes will get bedsores.
Continuous pressure on one area well cost of blood supply to be squeezed off with death of the tissues.
When it comes to tape the first response of the skin is to form blisters.
This is a separation of the epidermis to the dermis.
Says the tape stuck to the epidermis and not the dermis the tension is usually relieved once the blisters form.
These injuries can be compared to thermal burns or pressure sores.
If compared to a thermal burn this would be a superficial second-degree burn.
These generally heal without any need for surgical intervention.
It often causes skin discoloration that will last for several months and rarely can become permanent.
Silver bass dressings are excellent and are often used in burn units.
Locational he these injuries can become deep 2nd° or 3rd° injuries with total skin loss.
In those cases surgical intervention may be necessary.
Most plastic surgeons have some experience in the treatment of burn injuries and all plastic surgeons have some experience with wound care.
Continue following up with your doctor.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom M.D.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It's a good question but hard to answer via this forum.  And while both are possibilities, so is another - diminished blood flow to the region which caused impaired wound healing.  There is some overlap in these and it also may not matter that much, as the end result - regardless of the origin - is often treated the same.  That would be local wound care followed by, if necessary, surgical revision.  You would need to be seen in person for a full and complete assessment and, as such, I would agree that a second opinion in person is indicated at this point.  I hope that this helps and good luck, Dr. Alan Engler, Member of #RealSelf500

Lipo burn or tape burn? Need guidance! (Photo)

Answers (4)

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