Treatment for Fat Necrosis After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I'm 7 weeks post tummy tuck. I had a vertical incision (1 inch). I have fat necrosis (small area) at the junction where the two incisions meet. I feel a lot of tension on this area when I stand. I am a non-smoker. My doctor says to take two showers per day and dress it with gauze. I've read others who say they were told to keep the area dry and given a solution. Does my doctor's suggestions sound correct?

David J. Levens, MD · Answer

Your experience with delayed healing is not uncommon after "tummy tuck" (abdominoplasty").  The good news is that your surgeon is tending to your problem and that you will eventually heal completely.  It is good that you are not a smoker as that can definitely delay healing and even exposure to second-hand smoke can be a problem.

	Regarding the choice of wound care, there are many options.  The basic principles include wound cleansing as with washing and dressings to help debride the wound (remove dead tissue) and protection from infection and drying with more of a closed than open type dressing regimen.  Your surgeon's suggestions sound good to me.  You should follow-up regularly while he/she monitors your progress and adjusts the regimen as indicated based on the wound changes.

	Good luck and stay positive.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for you inquiry. Fat necrosis and wound problems are common at the t-junction of a combination vertical-horizontal abdominoplasty. I prefer dry wounds and dressings but the most important advice I can give you is that follow your surgeon's instructions. We each have reasons for our woundcare which allow to reliably achieve proven results. Good luck.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Fat necrosis is a common problem after procedures such as tummy tucks, breast reductions, and body contouring. Fat necrosis presents as a firm or indurated area that typically feels like a nodule or mass. Time is the primary treatment. Some advocate massage or ultrasound to soften the area. In my practice, I usually wait anywhere from 3 to 6 months. If the area is softening, we continue to wait. If it persists, excision is recommended.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Each surgeon treats their wound healing issue in their own manner. Best to follow your chosen surgeon's plan, unless you are not improving. Than a second opinion.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Delayed healing can occur after a tummy tuck. Showers help keep the wound clean and I usually recommmend those as well if there are wound healing issues. Follow your surgeons instructions. If you have questions about that you should contact him.

Treatment for Fat Necrosis After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (6)