I am 3 weeks post tummy tuck.. would I know by now if I were going to have complications?

Question

I had tummy tuck scar revision with repair to muscle below belly button and a small area of liposuction above incision. I smoke e-cigarettes containing nicotine. I have quit but now scared, would I know at this point if I were going to have complications???

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Even though you do not want to bother your PS, that is the best person to answer your questions as he/she is aware of any complications during your surgery and the progress of your healing.   Your PS knows your personal risk profile based on your medical history, the elasticity of your skin, the type of abdominoplasty performed, your lifestyle, and other factors.   In general, after the first two weeks of recovery from the TT, you would be "out of the woods" WRT blood clots and wound healing.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Nicotine constricts blood vessels.  This can mean that your nutrient rich blood supply may not fully reach the area that is healing.  This can lead to complications such as infection, poor wound healing, or even necrosis.  It is best to closely follow your surgeon's instructions when it is okay to resume using nicotine.  Or better yet use this as a great opportunity to quit!

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

First of all, congratulations on quiting smoking. Nicotine isn't good for you under any circumstances. I hope you take advantage of this and quit for good. There is no specific time frame for complications, so we never fully know. Smoking increases the risks of many complications and I can assume that you had trouble healing due to smoking on your first procedure. And you are probably worried about your scar this time around. If there are no sighs of dehiscence or necrosis after three weeks, you are probably good... at least as far as your scar is concerned.  Best of luck on your recovery!Dr. Miguel Mota

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Smoking can increase your risks with any surgery including how scars may heal.  At this point you can't do much about it but I would recommend using a scar cream that your surgeon may recommend and following their post operative care instructions.  Address your concerns and questions with your provider and they will be able to help answer all of your concerns based on your personal situation.  Best of luck to you.

Scott Tucker, MD · Answer

At 3 weeks if you were going to have problems they probably would have shown up by now.  If you have any questions the best thing to do is to check with your plastic surgeon.
Congrats on stopping smoking.
Dr. T

I am 3 weeks post tummy tuck.. would I know by now if I were going to have complications?

Answers (5)