Is this normal healing? 27 days post tummy tuck. (Photo)

Question

I am 27 days post tummy tuck. Here is a photo of my incision. I'm concerned about the pale yellow places. Those spots were originally more like scabs. Now they look like pus, but are firm and do not wipe off. I've been usng silvadene on the areas twice a day since my one week post op appointment with ps. At 3 weeks, my ps was unconcerned about the areas and just said to continue with the silvadene dressings. At that time the areas were still drier looking - like scabs. No pain or fever.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question and photos!   It does not appear like an infection at this time, however, you do have areas of full-thickness skin (and possibly fat, necrosis.  This has occurred at the most likely area, at the midline and the convergence of the vertical with the horizontal incisions, which has the most tension and poorest blood supply. Follow-up closely with your surgeon for further wound care instructions and the possible need for debridement of the area. This I'll usually heal without issues and still obtain an excellent appearance of the site.  Best wishes!

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

This isn't normal healing, but things look like they are getting better.  You have some necrosis of the skin, which can happen after a TT.  Gradually, this will form what looks like a scab and lift off.  You may need a small scar revision in the future.  Please continue to see your surgeon who can make sure things continue to heal.  Best wishes for your recovery!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

are very common where you are experiencing your issues.  It is not pus but instead dead tissue.  The yellow will slough (or you can have your surgeon expedite the process by debriding it in the office) and then your body will starting healing the area.  These problems usually have happy endings with reasonable scarring, certainly better than you would have anticipated.

Eric Desman, MD · Answer

It looks like you are having some healing problems at the location with the worst blood supply. This is not uncommon. I suggest you follow the recommendations of your plastic surgeon for wound care. There is always the possibility that further surgery is necessary. However, this is likely to heal with good local care.

Marc Polecritti, DO · Answer

No your healing is not "normal" but full thickness tissue necrosis is a known and real complication to this procedure. Fortunately, the area involved appears small.  I would recommend debridement of the yellow necrotic tissue and a wound care regimen that would speed up healing and minimize scarring.  You still may need a modest revision if the resultant scar is less than optimal.

Is this normal healing? 27 days post tummy tuck. (Photo)

Answers (5)