4 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck, Dark, Hard Area on Incision Line, Normal? (photo)

Question

I am 4 weeks post-op tummy tuck and when the drsg was removed by the doc I had this hard, dark area on the incsion line. It is pain- free (well numb and hard) but not painful to the touch. It was draining a small amt of serosang drainage, that has stoppped. The doc said just to keep it covered with drsg changes everyday. Is this approp. plan of care for this. My doc office is 2 hrs drive from were I live which really sucks...

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the picture.  I believe you have a small loss of skin that should heal on its own with daily dressing care.  It may get slighly deeper before it heals.

Michael Burgdorf, MD, MPH · Answer

This area appears to be an area of necrosis ( or dead tissue) that looks to have resulted from too much tension and/ or poor blood flow.  One concern I would have is if you are smoking.  This can SEVERELY negatively affect your ability to heal properly. It is difficult to tell how deep this area extends. One way to tell is to take off the scab/ dark necrotic area. Then local dressing changes should hopefully allow this to heal in, IF you are not exposed to smoke or nicotine of any form ( this decreases the blood flow ). I'd recommend following up with your board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

This is an area of wound breakdown and necrosis.  This is small and will probably heal fine with time.  It is important to keep it clean.  If it becomes infected it becomes a bigger issue and may require debridement and "packing" or dressing changes.  I don's see any evidence of this now, but that is the reason to follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations closely until it is totally healed.

M. Vincent Makhlouf, MD, FACS · Answer

You have suffered skin necrosis of the lower incision. This is usually accompanied by induration and loss of fat underneath and around. It should heal with local care but more than likely a revision of the scar under local anesthesia will be required once the tissues loosen up. Contine the local care.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The photo posted demonstrates early wound separation with skin/fat necrosis. seek immediate care on a 2 times a week visit.

4 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck, Dark, Hard Area on Incision Line, Normal? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Hard scar from TT

Answer: Hard scar from TT

Answer: 4 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck, Dark, Hard Area on Incision Line, Normal?

Answer: 4 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck, Dark, Hard Area on Incision Line, Normal?

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4 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck, Dark, Hard Area on Incision Line, Normal? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Hard scar from TT

Answer: Hard scar from TT

Answer: 4 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck, Dark, Hard Area on Incision Line, Normal?

Answer: 4 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck, Dark, Hard Area on Incision Line, Normal?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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