Is yellow skin at 2 weeks post op normal healing? (Photos)

Hello and thank you for posting photos along with your question. From the photos it appears that the yellow coloring is very likely from bruising that is resolving. Bruising can go from purple, to blue, to green and to yellow. If you have any concern, however, you should see your plastic surgeon!

Thanks for the question and photos.Here are a few thoughts:1) Your incisions are healing well for 2 weeks.2) You have some expected swelling, but this is normal for two weeks.3) You don't seem to have any signs of infection: redness, swelling, fever, drainage and pain.4) The yellow is probably some bruising that is resolving. Bruising goes through color changes with yellow being the last color change before the bruise disappears completely.Good Luck!

Hello Tina,Great question. Thank you for your pictures. Congratulations on your procedure. Yes, based on your image, the yellow appearance is the discoloration of bruising. Keep following up with your surgeon. Good luck with your recovery.

Agree with my esteemed colleagues. Resolving bruising. Nothing to worry about. It looks like you are following the advise of your PS and are healing great. 

Well wishes for continued recovery!

Dr. Hustak 

Thank you for your question. I agree that the "yellow skin" you are seeing 3 weeks after your tummy tuck procedure is likely resolving bruising which can be normal for that time period of healing after surgery.  I would make an appointment to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.  Sometimes there can be more going on than can be gleaned from a photograph and it is important to get an in person exam to make sure everything is healing properly and there are no fluid collections in that area that sometimes require attention. Good luck!

When bruising heals it goes from blue to yellow, so what you see is normal. Be sure to follow your surgeons post operative instructions and discuss any concerns you have. Good luck.

A tummy tuck is a big operation and there are different stages of healing that each patient will go through.  At 2 weeks you are still very early in the healing process.  The yellow color you see on your skin is most likely the last stages of the bruising as it fades away.  This is very normal.  You should always follow-up with your surgeon so he/she can assess the progress of your recovery.  Follow your surgeon's recommendations and you should have an uneventful recovery. 

Thank you for your question. The yellow is most probably due to the resolving bruising. After the surgery, the blood and serum under the skin will change from a bluish discoloration to yellow. There appears to be no evidence of an infection. Glad you are doing so well.

Dear TinaJ1976,
some patients have prolonged healing after tummy tuck and it is usually caused by increased tension or decreased blood flow. I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Yes this area is just resolution of bruising. It is completely normal. It sounds like you are doing great with healing. Continue to follow your surgeon's instructions for optimal results.