Necrosis is a common side effect of tummy tuck surgery. There are several ways to identify necrosis and how to repair it.
If you are experiencing skin necrosis after your tummy tuck, you may be wondering how long it will take to heal and what you can do about it. We’re here to help! In this guide, we review the aspects of skin necrosis after tummy tuck, how to prevent necrosis after tummy tuck, healed tummy tuck necrosis, and Can skin necrosis heal on its own?
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical operation that tries to tighten the underlying muscles and remove extra skin and fat from the abdominal region. Skin necrosis is one of the possible consequences, even though it is generally thought to be safe. The causes, prevention, and treatment of skin necrosis following a belly tuck will all be covered in this blog article.
Skin necrosis is the term used to describe the death of skin tissue in a specific location. When the blood flow to the surgical site is impaired after a stomach tuck, the skin cells may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which can result in skin necrosis. Tissue damage and ultimately cell death may occur from this.
Skin necrosis after a belly tuck can be brought on by a number of circumstances, including the following:
Poor Blood Supply: Blood flow to the skin can be disrupted by conditions such as smoking, damaged blood vessels, and high skin tension, all of which can affect blood circulation.
b. Incision Line Tension: Excessive incision line tension can obstruct blood flow to the surrounding skin, increasing the risk of necrosis.
c. Infection: By producing tissue damage and inflammation, infection can impede blood flow and lead to skin necrosis.
Skin necrosis prevention: Although it is not always possible to totally avoid skin necrosis, there are steps that may be performed to reduce the risk:
A thorough preoperative evaluation of the patient’s health in general and medical history might aid in identifying potential risk factors for problems.
b. Surgical Methodology: Skilful surgical methods, such as delicate tissue manipulation, minimizing undue strain, and maintaining blood flow, might reduce the incidence of skin necrosis.
c. Smoking Cessation: It’s important to stop smoking before surgery since it reduces blood flow and raises the chance of problems including skin necrosis.
d. Postoperative Care: It’s crucial for appropriate healing to adhere to the surgeon’s recommendations for wound care, to protect and keep the incision site clean, and to show up for planned follow-up appointments.
Treatment for Skin Necrosis: Skin necrosis following a belly tuck requires immediate medical treatment. Treatment choices might be:
a. Wound Care: To eliminate the dead cells and encourage healing, the necrotic tissue is gently debrided.
b. Dressings and Topical Treatments: To promote wound healing and prevent infection, the proper dressings and topical treatments may be used.
c. more operations: To treat necrotic tissue and produce the best cosmetic results, more surgical operations, such as skin grafts or revisions, may be necessary in some circumstances.
Recovery and follow-up: Depending on the amount of the necrotic tissue and personal healing variables, recovery from cutaneous necrosis might vary. To promote complete healing and address any issues, it’s crucial to rigorously adhere to your surgeon’s postoperative instructions, show up for planned follow-up appointments, and maintain open communication.
Skin necrosis after a stomach tuck is a possibility, although it may be reduced with cautious surgical methods, patient preparation, and attentive postoperative care. The risk of skin necrosis can be considerably decreased by being aware of the reasons, adopting precautions, and receiving treatment in a timely manner. A trained plastic surgeon consultation is essential to assess your unique risk factors, resolve any worries, and guarantee a safe and effective belly tuck treatment.
skin necrosis after tummy tuck
People are usually ready to recover as quickly as possible after surgery so they can get back to their normal routine. While they often follow their doctor’s instructions for healing, they sometimes do not recover as quickly as they should. Skin flap surgery is no different. While there are many reasons people may not heal quickly and correctly after this surgery, one of them is due to skin flap necrosis.
WHAT IS SKIN FLAP NECROSIS AND HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE IT?
Skin flap surgery is done to treat large wounds that cannot be closed by other treatments. Skin flap necrosis is caused by a lack of blood and oxygen to the tissue and may be evident by the 2nd to 4th day following surgery. It often shows as an area of darkness or blood-stained blister on the leading edge of the flap. A doctor or wound care specialist evaluation is required to identify it.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
Skin flap necrosis is caused by skin flap ischemia. Skin flap ischemia is caused by the inadequate blood supply to the skin flap leading to hypoxic tissue. Hypoxia is a condition in a region of the body which indicates a lower-than-normal oxygen level and pressure in the cells of the tissue.
HOW CAN NECROSIS BE TREATED AND BY WHOM?
Surgeons, in conjunction with a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and wound care clinic, can treat this type of necrosis. HBOT can help prevent the progression of skin flap ischemia to skin flap necrosis. Surgical debridement of necrotic tissue may be necessary. Debridement used in conjunction with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in these wounds includes increasing wound oxygen levels, stimulating healing, and improving blood vessel growth and circulation.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT OR REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SKIN FLAP NECROSIS AFTER SURGERY?
Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do to prevent it. Although, if you are a smoker, quitting smoking may reduce the risk. We recommend that you be evaluated by a wound care specialist to see what advanced treatment options may be best for you if you believe you have skip flap necrosis.
The experts at R3 Wound Care and Hyperbarics specialize in wound healing, including skin flap treatments, to ensure your wounds are treated quickly, efficiently, and safely. Visit the R3 location near you to learn more or to schedule your first appointment.
how to prevent necrosis after tummy tuck
You are the one that knows your body the best. There are signs in your body that may seem troubling to you at times. If you are someone that has just had a tummy tuck in order to get your body looking the best that it can be, you may have notice some issues that may seem troubling to you. In some cases, this can be fat necrosis and it will affect how you feel and operate for the time being. This article will go into detail about what fat necrosis is and what can be done about it if you have acquired it after you have had tummy tuck surgery.
What Is Fat Necrosis?
Fat necrosis can cause the breakdown of wounds. This can lead to small or large infections that are both troubling and painful. There may be a period of time when healing will not occur. This can be troublesome in many ways because it can make it difficult to do some of the regular daily activities that need to be done.
It may feel uncomfortable at times and that can cause a person to be upset about it. Since many people have gone through this in various parts of their bodies depending on where a wound has occurred, it will be up to them to make sure that they understand the symptoms that they are going through. They will know when it will be necessary to visit the doctor for an exam to find out what they should do if it is fat necrosis.
What Does Fat Necrosis Look Like?
Fat necrosis in many people is painless, although some people do experience some tenderness and pain at times. Since it will feel like round and firm lumps or just one lump, you will notice a difference where it occurs in your body. Around the lump, it can appear red, bruised, and may also look dimpled. Fat necrosis can also affect a person’s confidence levels. They may feel self-conscious about the way their body feels especially if someone is going to see them up close and personal. Since they don’t want to look like that, they will definitely be at a loss for what they need to do about it. In most cases, they will call their doctor to schedule an exam to have it looked at. Worrying about what it might be can cause a person a lot of stress and finding out what it is from a doctor will really help them out in the future.
What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The official word for tummy tuck is abdominoplasty. This type of surgery is performed to remove the excess skin and fat in this particular part of the body. It will restore the weakened muscles so that a person will have a much firmer and smoother abdominal physique. Most people get this done to look and feel better but there are also medical reasons that someone may need to have tummy tuck surgery completed. For whatever reason they decide to do it, it is meant to firm and tighten up the abdominal area of the body.
Fat Necrosis May Have Happened After Tummy Tuck Surgery
After a tummy tuck surgery, you will usually see about 7 – 10 days of changing dressings and checking for other issues that can occur. The signs of fat necrosis appear around 5 – 7 days after the tummy tuck surgery has been completed. It can take as long as 2 weeks to appear. Fat necrosis after tummy tuck surgery is the breakdown and eventual death of the fat cells in the body underneath the skin in the abdominal area. It is due to the lack of blood flow to the area. Here are some ways that you will be able to tell that you have fat necrosis after your tummy tuck surgery:
The skin next to the incision site can be scabby. It may also have a bluish-black color to it or in some other way look discolored. Just the sight of it may be disturbing and you may feel self-conscious about the way that it looks.
The site of the incision will feel warm and firm. There may also be lumps that are very obvious in that part of your body. Since you know your body the best, be sure that you are paying attention to any of the ways that it feels different.
There may be red patchy areas around the site. It will also have other types of skin breakdowns that will occur and it may become very sensitive to the touch.
It is quite common to have a reddish-yellow discharge. The discharge will come from the scar. and the wound site. You will likely want to call the doctor right away if this should occur to find out what you can do about it. In most cases, they will suggest a foam dressing with a soft surgical tape closure over it.
How To Treat Fat Necrosis After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
If you have fat necrosis after your tummy tuck surgery, you will want to know that it will heal but it will take some time in order to do so. You will want to use a wound dressing to help alleviate the pain or discomfort that you may be feeling. The wound dressing is important. You should talk to the surgeon that did your tummy tuck for good suggestions on the wound dressing that will work the best for you. In all cases, you will want to use soft surgical tape for your wound dressing. Many people use a foam dressing and use the soft surgical tape to secure it to the affected area. It can make a huge difference when you are dealing with the after effects of your tummy tuck surgery.
Treatments For Fat Necrosis After Tummy Tuck Surgery
If you have fat necrosis after your tummy tuck surgery, you will want to know that it will heal but it will take some time in order to do so. You will want to use a wound dressing to help alleviate the pain or discomfort that you may be feeling. The wound dressing is important. You should talk to the surgeon that did your tummy tuck for good suggestions on the wound dressing that will work the best for you. In all cases, you will want to use soft surgical tape for your wound dressing. Many people use a foam dressing and use the soft surgical tape to secure it to the affected area. It can make a huge difference when you are dealing with the after effects of your tummy tuck surgery.
Cutting Out The Fat Necrosis
In this instance, the surgeon will perform an operation that will Before you are operated on, you will be given a local anesthetic so that you do not have to feel it. The surgeon will remove or cut out the dead cells. After you are healed, you may have a small scar where the surgeon made the incision. Make sure that you do any of the follow up advice that the surgeon gives to you. If you have to write it down, be sure to keep it somewhere where you will be able to find it quickly.
With liposuction to treat fat necrosis after tummy tuck surgery, the surgeon will also give you an anesthetic. They will make an incision and insert a vacuum like tube to suck out the dead cells. You will also need to use a foam dressing with the soft surgical tape closure. This will assist in healing the incision area in the quickest and best way possible. Notice if anything doesn’t look or feel right so that you can keep your surgeon and doctor updated on your condition until you are totally fine.
Wound VAC is also known as vacuum-assisted help for closing up a wound. During wound VAC, a special device will decrease the air pressure on the wound. This will assist in allowing the wound to heal in a quicker way. Be sure that you consider wound VAC if your surgeon should suggest this to you. You might want to talk it over with a loved one also. Since there will be a time for healing, you may need their assistance in some ways. Be sure that they understand what you can be going through and they will be there for you at all times.
healed tummy tuck necrosis
The following information is provided to fully inform you about Abdominoplasty. Serious complications following Abdominoplasty are uncommon and your experience is likely to be a positive one.
Haematoma
Haematoma, collection of blood and fluid under the abdominal skin occasionally occurs in the first few hours after surgery. If this occurs we return to the theatre and remove this fluid under anaesthesia.
Seroma
A collection of clear fluid under the skin of the tummy can occur. The drain tubes may deal with this or it may occur after you have returned home. If it occurs I may have to drain this fluid away for you. This can be done without causing pain. It normally becomes evident 2-3 weeks after surgery.
Infection
Infection is uncommon but can occur. If you have ever had irritation or infection in the fold of skin on your lower abdomen you will understand this is a potential site for bacteria to accumulate. We give you antibiotics during your procedure to minimise this risk. In most instances infections are minor and respond promptly to antibiotic capsules and simple dressing. Very serious infections can rarely occur after this procedure. In very rare instances life threatening infections have been reported. If this was ever to occur my first priority is to protect your life. Further surgery is likely to be required and very prolonged hospitalisation would be required. Deaths have been reported after Abdominoplasty.
Delayed Healing
Delayed healing is sometimes a problem when it occurs it usually occurs along the new suture line. If this occurs rather than the wounds being totally healed at 10-14 days you may require dressings for a longer period. Loss of sensation in the skin of your abdomen occurs commonly in the first few weeks following the procedure. It will slowly improve over months in most cases. In rare cases permanent loss of skin sensation can occur.
Scars
Abdominoplasty involves extensive incisions all of which heal by formation of scars. In most cases the scars settle with time to be acceptable to the patient. A small number of people form bad scars (either hypertrophic or keloid). If you have any history of forming bad scars or your family members have exhibited this tendency then Abdominoplasty is not an operation for you. Think very carefully about how you feel about scars on your tummy and around your belly button. If you are distressed by this thought you should not contemplate Abdominoplasty surgery.
Asymmetry
It is normal for your abdomen to exhibit slight differences from side to side. This is universal prior to surgery and some variation is normal after surgery. Your umbilicus (belly button) may not be exactly in the middle of your abdomen following surgery. This can occur due to unpredictable stretching of the remaining tummy tissues in the healing phase after surgery.
Lumps or contour deformities
Sometimes lumps appear in fat tissue of your tummy (fat necrosis) or contour depressions can be seen. This is the commonest problem after liposuction which will commonly be used to maximise the outcome of surgery. This represents part of the spectrum of healing of the subcutaneous tissue. These often resolve by themselves over some months following surgery but potentially some contour deformities may persist and may require revision such as fat grafting in rare cases.
Skin necrosis (skin dieback)
This can occur during the healing phase after abdominoplasty. It is rare. It is more likely in some people who have previous scars on their tummy. In these people the procedure may need to be modified to allow for this risk. If for any reason the blood supply to an area of skin is damaged this skin can dieback. If this occurs healing will be delayed and further surgery may be required. This may relate to the Abdominoplasty itself or to an area of liposuction which is included to maximise the effect of the Abdominoplasty procedure.
Umbilical necrosis
It is possible for the umbilicus to dieback after abdominoplasty. I have never seen this occur so it is rare. The umbilicus is left attached to the tummy wall at its base during the procedure and if this blood supply is not sufficient to sustain the belly button tissue it may dieback. If this occurs healing will be delayed. Further surgery may be required. You may not have a recognisable belly button going forward. This complication is rare.
Long term results
Your abdomen will continue to change as you progress through life. Your tummywill enlarge again in the event of further pregnancy, change in size and shape with significant changes in your weight and as you get older they will show all the changes of ageing.
Can skin necrosis heal on its own
Skin necrosis is a rare side effect of any surgical procedure, including cosmetic surgery. Skin necrosis occurs when the blood supply to the skin is interrupted or damaged. This limits the delivery of oxygen and nutrients and results in the death of skin tissue.
In this blog post we’ll discuss skin necrosis including symptoms, risk of occurrence, preventive measures, and treatment options.
How Does Skin Necrosis Occur?
Your skin is kept healthy and alive via a network of small capillaries which deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the skin’s surface.
Any type of trauma, including that which occurs during surgery, can disrupt this network of small blood vessels, resulting in ischemia, decreased blood supply, or hypoxia, lack of oxygen.
Trauma may include the severing of blood vessels, tightening of the skin via sutures, or pressure from post-surgery blood clots. Sometimes, skin necrosis is the result of bacterial or fungal infections. It can also occur if dermal filler is mistakenly injected into a blood vessel, blocking the flow of blood.
Can Plastic Surgery Cause Skin Necrosis?
Any and all types of surgery injure blood vessels. Once a surgeon cuts into your skin, some blood vessel damage will occur. Typically, the body is quick to adjust and the blood supply is rerouted.
Excessive injury to an area or risk factors such as smoking, diabetes or obesity, however, make it difficult for the body to heal. When an area is cut off from its blood supply, skin necrosis is the result.
How Common Is Skin Necrosis After Plastic Surgery?
Skin necrosis is a rare complication of cosmetic surgery. While studies have yet to be done to determine the exact rates of skin necrosis for each type of plastic surgery, the following are best estimates of the risk.
Generally, the more complicated the surgery, the higher the risk of skin necrosis. Still, for each of the studies above, smoking was the most common risk factor among those who developed necrosis.
What Are the Signs of Skin Necrosis?
The symptoms of skin necrosis can appear as early as 2-4 days after surgery and may progress hourly. It’s important to closely monitor your healing, as early identification offers the best chance for recovery. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and report your symptoms. The earlier skin necrosis is diagnosed, the better your chances of healing.
Can Skin Necrosis Be Prevented?
With any surgery, skin necrosis is a risk. However, this minimal risk can be reduced even further by selecting a skilled plastic surgeon, and by refraining from smoking.
Non-Smoking: Smoking is the biggest risk factor for skin necrosis. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it shrinks your blood vessels. This impedes the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. It also slows the healing process, which puts you at risk for infection.
If you smoke, quit at least 2-4 weeks before your surgery. Refrain from the use of all nicotine products until you are fully healed.
Choosing a Skilled Surgeon: A skilled, experienced, board-certified cosmetic surgeon will perform your surgery more efficiently, damaging fewer blood vessels in the process. This can reduce the risk of skin necrosis by minimizing trauma.
How Is Necrosis Treated in The Event of an Occurrence?
To be effective, treatment for necrosis must begin as early as possible. In some cases, necrosis of a small area may resolve on its own, but can still leave scarring that negatively affects cosmetic outcomes.
Depending on the cause, size, area and appearance of the skin necrosis, your doctor may treat it in any of the following ways
Wet to Dry Dressings: Using saline-treated dressings and changing them frequently can speed the process of wound healing, preventing the progress of skin necrosis.
Antibiotics: If a bacterial or fungal infection is the cause of the necrosis, it may be treated with the use of antibiotics or antifungal medications.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: NPWT helps wounds heal faster by drawing fluid from the area, stimulating the circulation of blood.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: HBOT exposes skin cells to oxygen, promoting healing in otherwise oxygen-deprived tissues.
Debridement: In severe cases, the affected tissue must be removed through surgical or other means. This triggers the healing process anew, but can leave permanent scarring or disfigurement.