What can I do to avoid necrosis?

Question

After the surgery, what can I do to avoid a necrosis. And when a necrosis happen is it the Drs fault? Should the dr had done something different or it's the patients skin? Thank you so much!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Necrosis is loss of tissue due to lack of oxygen and other nutrients needed. The best way to avoid necrosis is not to smoke or be around smokers when having a tummy tuck. Preferably you want to quit 6 months before surgery. This also includes not using nicotine in gum or patch. It's otherwise a risk of the surgery and not necessarily a problem with the surgeon or technique. Best, Dr. Aldo

Meghan Nadeau, MD · Answer

After surgery there are two important things you can do to avoid necrosis: 1. do not smoke or use tobacco products of any kind (nicotine and smoke inhalation decrease blood flow, which can lead to necrosis)2. make sure your compression garments (if you are wearing one) are not too tight- best to have your plastic surgeon check thisIf you are concerned that you are showing signs of skin necrosis you should make an appointment to see your surgeon right away. Best wishes, Dr. Meghan Nadeau, Seattle, WA

Steven M. Camp, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Best way to avoid necrosis is to work with a board certified plastic surgeon and avoid smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery.  I prefer patients that have been smoke free for 6 months if possible though as that shows a more firm commitment to smoking cessation. Cheers and best wishes,Steven Camp MD#HappyCamperMD

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Necrosis with a tummy tuck is due to lack of circulation to the skin.You can avoid smoking for one.Tissues that we move in plastic surgery can undergo necrosis even in the best of hands.Usually after the wounds heal a simple scar revision will erase the necrosis scar.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.Skin necrosis is a very uncommon complication after tummy tuck.  It's typically not the doctor's fault, as it can happen even in the best of hands.  Being in good health and not smoking are two of the most important things to prevent it.After surgery, the best way to avoid skin necrosis is to make sure the compression garment isn't too tight (you want it snug, but there is such a thing as TOO tight), and notifying your surgeon very early on if your skin does look "threatened" (usually a darker red or purple color).Best of luck!

What can I do to avoid necrosis?

Answers (5)

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