Why is tummy tuck incision skin turning black and separating? (Photo)

Question

I had my tummy tuck 3 and half weeks ago, just last week my skin started to separate and leak fluid. At first skin was grey and slowly it's turning black. My surgeon and the nurse say it's very normal I however an worried it used to be a tiny hole that leaked and now my skin has separated and turning black and bleeding lightly. All they told me to do was clean with hydro peroxide and neosporine . They say it will heal on its own and be corrected later. I don't see improvement but see it getting worse .

Vijith Vijayasekaran, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

You have a wound complication with necrosis of the most poorly perfused area  that can occasionally occur following a tummy tuck.  This is usually best managed with wound care. For larger areas of necrosis surgery maybe indicated to deride (remove the area of necrosis) the wound. It will take several weeks for the wound to heal which is likely to result in a more raised scar (hypertrophic). This can be easily corrected at a later date. I would follow your surgeons recommendation and attend regular followup until your wounds are healed.Best wishes.Kind regardsVIj

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear J Andrade,You have necrosis (non-viable tissue) of a small portion of the skin from your tummy tuck.  It is not common, but it does occur occasionally with tummy tucks.  Local wound care is necessary to ensure appropriate healing of the wound.  The wound is expected to look a bit larger before it starts to close.  You also may require debridement (removal of non-viable tissue) in order to promote faster healing.  Ask your surgeon if he/she thinks if it needs to be debrided. If you do not feel comfortable with the answer, you may consider seeking a second opinion.   Unfortunately this will require a bit of attention for a few weeks, but in the end, the scar can be revised and you will likely end up with an excellent result.  Best of luck.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

It is true that skin necrosis is not rare as TT complication. The black skin is due to skin necrosis and the reason why it got necrotic will remain unknown because it is a multifactorial condition. You will need the wound care assistance. At the end you will be OK and your results will remain but you have to be under the correct care. Be wncouraged. Dr. Cardenas

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

The tissue is no longer alive and does not have good blood supply. This is something you want to be in touch with your surgeon about. It will likely require some minor cleaning up and closing the wound in time. Sometimes we will clean up the wounds and not close them but let them heal on their own. What is right for you can only be determined by an in office exam. This can happen and does happen to patients not just you. There are many many reasons why tissue can die, and I can not comment on why this has happened to you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The post operative complication you demonstrate is wound edge dehiscence and fat necrosis. Local aggressive wound care and debridement allows healing by secondary intention...

Why is tummy tuck incision skin turning black and separating? (Photo)

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Answer: Incision Turning Black After Surgery

Answer: Why is tummy tuck incision skin turning black and separating?

Answer: Why is tummy tuck incision skin turning black and separating?

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Why is tummy tuck incision skin turning black and separating? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Incision Turning Black After Surgery

Answer: Incision Turning Black After Surgery

Answer: Why is tummy tuck incision skin turning black and separating?

Answer: Why is tummy tuck incision skin turning black and separating?

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.