Tummy tuck incision at 6 weeks red/purple. Is the color normal? (Photo)

Question

I am 6 wks post op and my incision seems to be very red and purple. The purple is what worries me. Is the color normal? Also, still so much swelling.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

It looks as if you are healing quite well. The discoloration can be some inflammation from sutures placed beneath the skin as they are dissolving. It will resolve over time.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Your photos appear to show normal healing. A purple colour for fresh scars is common. Your Plastic Surgeon will have recommendations to help lighten and flatten your scars as well but it takes many months for the colour to fade. Swelling at this point in your recovery is normal as well.Take care

Mariam Awada, MD, FACS · Answer

Some people have a more purplish transition of their scar than others.  You appear to be healing.  Your abdominal binder or a girdle may be of help for support.  Stay out of the sun and hydrated. A multivitamin may help.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Thanks for your questions and pictures.  It does appear that you have normal healing at this point.  Your scar will lighten with time.  Make sure you protect the scar from sun exposure for one year.  Swelling at this time is normal and should continue to improve.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Everything I seen your photos looks absolutely normal, and quite good. The scar quality is excellent with a relatively thin and flat line. Yes, it will certainly get lighter overtime. Also, there is swelling, But that will also substantially improve over the next several weeks and months. You're doing great! Dr. Gabbay.

M. Azhar Ali, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes this is quite normal. Looks like you are healing well. The scar will undergo remodeling over the next several months and the color will fade away. Make sure you not to expose them to sunlight or tanning light as this will cause permanent discoloration.

Matthew H. Conrad, MD · Answer

Things look reasonable at this point- there is likely swelling and after this resolves, rarely would you need any touch up (eg liposuction).  The purple is expected and will resolve too in 1-1.5 years

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and the photographs. From your pictures I cannot see any concerns. You appear to be healing very nicely. The color of your incision is normal at this point and will continue to improve with time. One can also notice swelling, but at this point in your recovery this is normal and will also improve with time. Continue in close follow up with your surgeon and avoid sun exposure as best as possible. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, Meme3811.  Thanks for your question and photos.  Your incision seems to be healing well.  Please keep the incision clean and dry.  Some people heal with dark/red scar; some people heal with lighter color.  The color will improve with time (1-2 years); avoid Sun.  Best wishes.

Tummy tuck incision at 6 weeks red/purple. Is the color normal? (Photo)

Answers (9)

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