Whats the down time for tummy tuck necrotic scar revision with minor dog ears? (Photo)

Question

I do boxing with weight training as well as hip hop abs :) I'd like to know if I can continue to do them with a revision or if I'll have to take x days, weeks, or months off. From what I understand its an in office procedure with local. How long to heal? Any necrosis risk? How long before a vacation to the ocean (swimming) should I schedule this? I'm almost 1 year post but I still swell at night is that going to affect me too? Thank you Drs and have a great day! :)

Bram Kaufman, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.   You are a great candidate for scar revision- you have the potential to have an excellent ultimate result.  Your surgeon should have some specific instruction on what downtime you should take.In general down time for scar revision after tummy tuck can be 4-6 weeks.  Weight training or any form of exercise will likely start slow and gradually increase over time as you condition your body after any type of surgery.  If this is strictly revision of skin/ scar only- this down time can be considerable shorter.  If the revision involves a flap or deeper soft tissues/ muscle the general downtime will be closer to 4 weeks.  Please confirm/ consult your plastic surgeon on his/ her specific recommendations.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture. I would recommend that this procedure being performed under anesthesia in a surgery center to get the best outcome. It can be done under local but I think it requires much more extensive revision to achieve the best outcome. I would recommend that you refrain from your exercise for approximately 3 to 4 weeks I would do this three months before a planned vacation in the summer and you probably will need to take off about 3 to 7 days from work.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Much will depend on exactly what is done during the revisionary tummy tuck surgery; therefore, your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to advising you precisely. Generally speaking, revisionary surgery does involve less swelling, discomfort, and recovery time. Best wishes what outcome that you will be pleased with.

Alexander G. Nein, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

If this is a simple scar revision with no muscle work, then recovery will be rapid and easy. Talk to your plastic surgeon about his/her recommendations for activities after the procedure. If a tissue glue is used to seal the incision then you can probably shower the next day but have to wait 2 weeks to soak the incision in water. Avoid contact sports which could cause a direct impact to the incision for about 6 weeks although non contact sports can be done at a considerably earlier date.The necrosis risk is small especially for non smokers.My preference would be that you wait a month before going to the beach and also that you protect the \scar from UV radiation (sunlight) for a year. Use a sunblock on any part of the scar that is not covered by clothing.Again, talk to your plastic surgeon about their specific recommendations.Best wishes!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

At least 3 weeks downtime in my over the internet opinion. Also why the high riding scar incision with indentation???

Angela Keen, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck is a great procedure, but it is also the most common procedure to benefit from scar revision.  The goals of tummy tightening and great wound healing work against each other and sometimes, the scars do not heal in an optimal way.  Scar revision is a great procedure and I am glad your surgeon encourages and offers this to you.  I perform this under local anesthesia in my office.  It is very important to be inactive/quiet for the first three days, then I let patients decide about their own activity level - minus hot tubs, which I ban for 6 weeks.

Michael E. Ciaravino, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

You should expect at least 3 weeks downtime before returning to light exercising and 6 weeks before returning 100%. Because you had necrosis previously you want to allow your body adequate time to heal, and not risk the chance for this occurring a second time. There is definitely a risk for necrosis with any procedure involving a incision, especially if the area is under a lot of tension and has been operated on previously. I recommend you really plan the procedure when you have enough downtime to allow your body to heal properly. As far as submerging in water of any kind, you should allow a minimum of 4 weeks before doing so. The incisions need time to completely heal, and be closed before you submerge the surgical site to the bacteria found in pools, Jacuzzi's, oceans and lakes.

Tarick K. Smiley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

A good rule of thumb is to avoid rigorous activities for about a month to make sure that you will heal properly.  But just to be on the safe side, ask your surgeon about his specific recommendation.  He might want to see the incision site first before he gives you a go signal. It is also crucial that you avoid submerging your incision under water to avoid infection and its subsequent complications.  A good rule of thumb is to wait at least six weeks (or sometimes even longer) or until your wound is completely healed.  Good luck and best wishes.

Whats the down time for tummy tuck necrotic scar revision with minor dog ears? (Photo)

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