Necrotizing Fasciitis. How often does this occur after a tummy tuck?

Question

If you haven't already heard, Leona Dieker died from this after her tummy tuck procedure on September 12, 2014. My surgery is scheduled for the November 20th. I'm freaking out.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question.  Such a complication, albeit extremely rare, would be devastating. That being said, the possibility for such to occur is very unlikely.  Given that you are healthy and not immunocompromised as well as having your procedure performed in an accredited facility is warranted.  Best wishes for a wonderful result!

Josh Olson, MD · Answer

Necrotizing fasciits after a tummy tuck would be extremely rare. The best way to prevent a serious complication after a tummy tuck is do your research on your surgeon and make sure you are at an accredited surgical facility. There are many non plastic surgeons performing tummy tucks now so know their training. You have many excellent plastic surgeons in your area so just be cautious and good luck!

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

It is extremely rare for this to occur after a tummy tuck. It is important that we all understand no surgery is minor, but still usually is very safe. I would resonate that you make sure you are having surgery at an accredited facility and are seeing a board certified plastic surgeon. Does that guarantee that this would not happen? No. Of course not. But, what you should focus on are the thousands of tummy tucks down daily that go just fine. It is easy to get caught up in the extremely rare circumstances like the one you describe, but it is so, so rare. Good luck with surgery.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

is almost unheard of following procedures in licensed facilities.  The most important prevention is to be able to have access to your surgeon post-operatively so issues can be dealt with in expeditious ways and to use a board certified surgeon.

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

This is a very rare complication of a tummy tuck. Just make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and your surgery is performed in an accredited outpatient surgery center. Good luck!

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question. It is extraordinarily rare. It would be well less than a 1% chance. It would be equivalent I being struck by lighting in a thunderstorm. Good luck with your procedure.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and the complication you allude to is extremely rare. You are probably at greater risk getting in your car so stop freaking outDr Corbin

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Potential complications are part of any surgery and vary from simple wound reactions or healing problems to more serious ones. However, necrotising fasciitis is very rare and traditionally develops in people with depressed immunity level or in people with major illnesses.Comfort level with the surgeon, anesthesiologist and facility are integral parts of the successful outcome of surgery. I recommend that you seek more than one consultation until you get the right answers and assurances prior making your final decision.

Necrotizing Fasciitis. How often does this occur after a tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

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