Blotchy purple skin and vein on stomach 5.5 years after Tummy Tuck - what could it be? (photo)

Question

I am 5.5 years postop TT. Had a sera removed from above belly button 1 year after my procedure. All was well. I gained 40 lbs with work from home during COVID, I’ve lost of that again. But now my belly skin looks mottled. I think it’s getting worse. A strange purple blotcjy purple with veining on one side.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Terri123 in Winnipeg. Thank you for your question regarding the blotchy purple skin and visible veins on your abdomen 5.5 years after your tummy tuck.

Thank you for sharing your history and photo. Based on the information you've provided, it's challenging to determine the exact cause of the blotchy purple skin and visible veins from the photo alone. The mottled appearance of your belly skin could be related to the 40-pound weight gain and subsequent weight loss after your tummy tuck, which can sometimes cause changes in skin tone and texture.

The purple blotchy area might be due to a vein that has become more prominent. If this is the case, treatment options include sclerotherapy (injecting the vein with a solution to make it collapse), laser treatment, or surgical removal of the vein. Another possibility is that the purple area could be related to a permanent suture from your tummy tuck, which may need to be addressed or removed.

Given these possibilities, I strongly recommend scheduling a formal consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to evaluate your symptoms in person. This will allow for a more accurate diagnosis and discussion of potential treatment options.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Only on the basis of in person evaluation, a board certified plastic surgeon, could give you some thoughts on this problem. This is not very frequent to see long after TT and recent weight loss. Good ;luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person exam and discussion of your symptoms is needed in order to determine what may be causing the skin changes you are experiencing.  Meet with your surgeon or a dermatologist for an evaluation.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell what is going on without an evaluation or at least seeing the discoloration with a photograph.  I would recommend seeing your previous surgeon and discussing your concerns.

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for your question. Can be too many factors and I will not feel professional telling you what can be without an evaluation physicall and blood work. My recommendation is to do an appointment with dermatologist doctor that can start making testing in order to find the condition that is causing you this symptoms.

Hope this helps
Dr. Quiroz

Hope this helps
Dr. Quiroz

Blotchy purple skin and vein on stomach 5.5 years after Tummy Tuck - what could it be? (photo)

Answers (10)