Could tightening the skin too tight in an abdominoplasty cause necrosis? (Photo)

Question

What would case the necrosis of the tissue at the "T" sight on the abdominalplasty. This is a late 30s female, non smoker, is not exposed to second hand smoke, no medical issues previously. There was no liposuction conducted during the procedure. All pre op and post op protocols followed. Photos are attached and graphic. no drains were used.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing after a  #tummytuck will requires time. Your abdomen will feel tight for a month or longer. If you have had a muscle repair as well (the usual case), you will feel the most tightness down the center of your tummy where the doctor has actually repaired your muscles. The purpose of the post-procedure #garment is to provide some gentle #support and to reduce swelling following a #TummyTuck or #Abdominoplasty. If it feels too tight or causes pain, take it off. Patients wear the #elastic garment for several weeks after surgery, as directed by their doctor. Some choose to wear it longer for several months for comfort.The #healing process make take at least 3-4 months until you see your final results.However, in this situation it may best to be seen and evaluated by your doctor or their staff to confirm if you are experiencing a #serious issue. They need to advise you as to how to tend to this #wound. The sooner, the better. If you ever have concerns about your #healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Skin necrosis can occur due to excessive tension placed on the skin. The "T site" is an area especially vulnerable to this. At this point, work closely with your operating surgeon to help the wound heal. You may have to see him quite frequently but the goal is to close the wound. The scar can always be revised later. Good luck and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

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

Thank you for the photos and sorry for your complication which can be due to excessive tension or undermining of the flaps.  It can also occur if the post op garment worn was too tightDr Corbin

Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended · Answer

Skin necrosis is really unusual in a non-smoker.  It may be that the closure was too tight.  Sometimes there is no clear explanation. The important thing now is to get this to heal in.  You will be amazed at how much the normal healing process will shrink this large wound.  It will take weeks to months but it should heal in.  After healing, it will likely be possible for your surgeon to do some sort of scar revision to improve the appearance of this area.  Make sure you keep your appointments with your surgeon and the wound care specialist, get good nutrition and plenty of rest.  And try to keep your spirits up.  This will heal and likely look better than you thought it could.Good luck and hang in there!

Could tightening the skin too tight in an abdominoplasty cause necrosis? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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