Necrosis at Tummy Tuck Incision?

Question

I am currently 14 days PO w/a TT and lipo on my sides. What appeared to be a small hematoma in the middle of my incision line on PO day #1 has now turned into necrosis. I originally put topical heparin cream, but once the incision opened I began using silvadene cream & today was the first day of debridement. I have noticed some dusky areas around the incision &wonder if that too is losing its blood supply. Can you tell me whether it appears the wound is getting better or worse?

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and excellent pictures. Your wound seems to be healing and unfortunately it will take time to completely be healed.  The most important thing is to be seeing an communicating with your surgeon regularly.  Good luck.

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

Having a small area of necrosis at the tummy tuck incision is the most common problemwith this procedure. The good news is that your treatment course seems right ontrack and while things may take several weeks to heal the body is amazing andmost areas usually don’t even need a scar revision. Follow your PS instructionsto the T and you will heal. Eat a good diet with lots of protein and take a multivitaminas well.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The evolution of tissue necrosis and healing of a tummy tuck incision is a process that can take up to 8 weeks or so to reach a healed state. It usually takes about three weeks to see the maximal amount of tissue loss/wound separation with another three weeks for granulation tissue to fill in the 'holes'. Then new skin can grow over it and the wound is finally healed. Based on your pictures your healing may move a little faster than that but not much. This is based on the observation that your maximal necrosis period is over and granulation tissue is already beginning to develop.

Michael Hueneke, MD (retired) · Answer

This appears to be minor from your pictures and should resolve without any problems. Consistent and regular follow up with your PS is warranted. This is not an uncommon issue and you should not be alarmed.

Necrosis at Tummy Tuck Incision?

Answers (4)

Answer: Skin necrosis

Answer: Skin necrosis

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Necrosis at Tummy Tuck Incision?

Answers (4)

Answer: Skin necrosis

Answer: Skin necrosis

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.