How bad is this? Is this necrosis? (Photo)

Question

I had a panniculectomy done 3 weeks ago and it blistered Doctor said the skin would fall off then heal back but it started opening. I went for a 2 week check up and they saw it was starting to open but said to just use dial soap and neosporin keeping it bandaged. How bad is it now? Should I go back in or just keep cleaning and bandaging it?

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, after a panniculectomy, it is common to have wound healing problems. I know that this looks very scary for you, but with proper care, it will heal up just fine. From the photo it looks like the wound needs some debridement and possible packing depending on how deep the necrotic tissue goes. It may take several weeks to heal, but when it does, it will just be a widened scar that can be revised later if needed.

Jane Namkung, MD · Answer

It appears you have an area of separation with some exudate that will require debridement and wound care to get it to heal. It is not uncommon for panniculectomies to have some problems healing. I would return to your surgeon for more aggressive wound care.

How bad is this? Is this necrosis? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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