Is this necrosis? I had a tummy tuck revision 11 days ago in Mexico. (photos)

Question

My doctor is hard to see and get a hold of. What is this and how can I treat it?

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Thanks for the photos.From the photos it appears you are having some issues with the blood supply to the incision.It would be best to see your surgeon, so that he can help guide you through this. This isn't something that you can treat without guidance.If you can't see your surgeon, then see if a friend or family doctor can refer you to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.Until you make the appointment, here are a few things you can do:1) Keep the area clean.2) look for signs of infection: Fever, redness, drainage, tenderness and swelling.3) If the incisions open or begin draining go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation.Again, try to make an appointment with your surgeon in Mexico or a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in the USA.Good Luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear VanessaMarie,this type of wound is not uncommon after tummy tuck. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and yes, it would be described as flap edge necrosis.  If you don't want to travel back and forth to Mexico, you will have to find a surgeon locally who can debride it for you and help you through the recovery process.  Rest assured it will heal and you do not need fancy interventions like hyperbaric oxygen or PRP injections but it must be cleaned up and time allowed for healing.  Make some phone calls of local surgeons if you are not wanting to go to Mexico and suggest those new in practice since they presumably have more time and patience with this.

Richard Mark Winters, MD · Answer

Aggressive liposuction at the time of abdominoplasty continues to be debated amongst plastic surgeons.... "always" and "never" are usually not the right answer to gray issues... whether to combine these procedures or not and how aggressive to be is a matter of judgement and surgeon preference.... there needs to be careful consideration on a case by case basis... unfortunately, necrosis is a permanent process and generally is treated expectantly... therapeutic interventions such as hyperbaric oxygen can be somewhat helpful but only usually in the earlier stages.... you are going to need some follow up evaluation, hand holding, medical care and possibly revision surgery.... it will be a bit challenging to find the right surgeon for that... this one of the pitfalls of medical tourismgood luck..

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

You are experiencing wound necrosis and need to see your doctor.   If you can't see your doctor see a local board certified plastic surgeon.   This will cost you some but will  be well worth the fee.  My Best , Dr Commons

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