Is this skin necrosis?

Question

I had a tummy tuck on February 9th. As soon as I got out of surgery my skin started turning black right around my belly button all the way down to my incision line. Doc says he is not worried about it at all anymore and that everything looks better. I feel like as the days go by the lower part of the wound keeps getting deeper and deeper. I need a second opinion please!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello Thank you for your question and pictures. It's unfortunate that you are experiencing this. You do show evidence of tissue necrosis. Please be sure to follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon. Best regards

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Yes, you appear to have skin necrosis. Keep following your surgeon's wound care advise to the letter and you should be healed in about a month. You may need a bit of scar revision surgery down the line, but hopefully not. My best,Dr. Sheila Nazarian@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,It is necrosis, but it looks like you're healing quickly. Continue following your doctor's orders and you will be healed in about a month.  You may be a candidate for a scar revision in a year.Best of luck!

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos.  I am so sorry that you are having healing issues after your tummy tuck!  After reviewing your photos, it does appear that you have some amount of tissue necrosis.  It does appear to be improving, but without an in-person exam it is impossible to be certain.  Local wound care should be all that is require for your wound to heal reasonably well, and you may require scar revision in the future however the only person who can be certain is your surgeon. I would encourage to continue close follow up with your surgeon for wound care and potential future revision. If you continue to be concerned, you could consider a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon in your are to explore further treatment options. Best wishes!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and technically you had necrosis.  The question is whether this is full thickness or partial thickness with the latter being much better for you.  Your surgeon seems confident it will be fine so I am hopeful he is right.

Is this skin necrosis?

Answers (5)