Irritation around incision, swelling and compression garment (Photo)

Question

TT & lipo. 8 days post-op. Skin irritated around entire incision (see pic) It's very uncomfortable. Before I took pic's I had applied cicalfate around the incision. This is making it look a bit shiny and you can see the cream is white. I did not put any directly on incision. Any suggestions on helping this heal? My waist measurements is 4 inches bigger then before surgery! Is that normal? When determining size of bonito to order, do I go by current measurevent or pre-surgery measurement?

Rohit Jaiswal, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting photos. 
There may be a few things going on: it could be the garment is irritating your skin through friction, or you may have an allergic reaction- to the fibers in the garment or a substance that was applied to the skin during surgery- known as a contact dermatitis. Either way, best to speak with your plastic surgeon who can make adjustments in your compression garment regimen and provide topical treatments if necessary. 
Best wishes, 
Rohit Jaiswal, MD
Plastic Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Based on your picture it looks like the garment might be irritating your skin, don't wear it directly on the skin, put a cotton t-shirt then the garment for protection, avoid the creams 8 days post op consult with your PS for his or her instructions every surgeon has different post op care instructions, best of luck.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Swelling in the first week after liposuction is quite common. It's best to follow your surgeons specific advice post-operatively. We typically have our patients wear compression garments on the areas we did liposuction to help the skin and underlying tissues re-adhere as well as reduce swelling. However, if you garments are too tight they can restrict lymphatic drainage and blood flow leading to more swelling and complications. Redness, swelling, heat, and pain are all signs of infection.  While you only report a couple of these, infections are a big deal and should be addressed immediately when present.  Best is to discuss specifically with the operating surgeon so that he /she can take a look.

Jan Hochtritt, BSc, MD · Answer

You very much for this interesting question. Two things, first of all the skin around the wound seems to be showing an allergic reaction, a dermatitis. This can be due to a substance applied onto the skin during or after the surgery. Check for other areas on your body. As it regards to the swelling do not worry the combination of lipo and a tummy tuck will result in early postoperative swelling which will go down. If you are unsure I would advise you to consult your plastic surgeon. Have a wonderful rest of the day and greetings from the beautiful island of Jamaica.

Deborah Ekstrom, MD · Answer

The rash that you see is a contact dermatitis and comes from something that was on your skin.  It might be the prep solution, especially if it was one that has an adhesive in it to give a long term antibiotic effect. Or it could be something that was placed to finish your wound closure that has an adhesive. Sometime latex gloves will cause this type of rash if you are latex allergic and someone touched you with latex gloves.  Occasionally wet dressing against your skin will cause this problem If it is itchy you can take Benadryl to help with that.  I don't know the cream you are putting on your skin so can't comment.  Often contact dermatitis persists for weeks, no matter what you do.See if your plastic surgeons office can help, or see a dermatologist for some symptomatic treatment.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all, congratulations on your liposuction and tummy tuck, rparker1985!
Right now, I don’t think you should worry too much about your results since there’s still a lot of swelling even months after your plastic surgery. Just continue wearing your compression garments as instructed to help minimize swelling and decrease fluid retention.
As for the rashes around your incision site, I suggest going back to your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon to receive relief. Your incision looks fine and healing pretty quickly, so again, nothing to worry about.
Good luck!

John Sampson, MD (license obligations) · Answer

Hello, thank you for your questions and pictures. Swelling and fluid retention is to be expected at this stage of recovery. As you continue to heal, your results will become more apparent. I suggest eating a diet primarily consisting of fresh fruit and vegetables. Stay away from overly processed food high in sodium as this may aggravate fluid retention. Your incision looks amazing for 8 days post op! As far as the rash is concerned I recommend consulting your surgeon. In the meantime, you can wear a long, smooth tank top over the gauze beneath your compression garment. Change your gauze frequently, and consider swapping out your lipo foam pads if you're using them. Best of luck to you!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Some people have sensitive skin that gets inflamed or irritated after surgery for a contact with certain substances.
Your best bet is to keep in close contact with your plastic surgeon.
Time typically makes all of this get better.
Early recovery after these procedures can be challenging.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom M.D.

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