Redness around tummy tuck incision is common, and it will continue to fade. The color of your incision depends on how much blood/fluid is under the skin. The more fluid, the redder the surrounding area will appear.
Redness around the tummy tuck incision is a normal occurrence in most patients. The redness may be more noticeable around menstrual periods; however, this is also temporary and will disappear within 10–14 days as the healing process continues.. In this guide, we review the aspects of Redness around tummy tuck incision, tummy tuck incision infection treatment, how to break up scar tissue after tummy tuck, and tummy tuck scar healing stages.
Redness Around Tummy Tuck Incision
This is normal and should go away several days after surgery. If this redness does not fade, or becomes infected, call your doctor immediately.
Redness around the incision is usual and can last for several weeks. It’s not considered a worrisome sign and will clear away by itself. This is a typical part of the natural healing process following tummy tuck surgery.
Some patients do experience some mild redness around the tummy tuck incision for a few days. This is normal and will resolve within a few days. Any severe or persistent redness requires evaluation by your surgeon
Abdominal exercises are generally frowned upon during recovery, but they’re safe to resume at one month after your tummy tuck. Embarrassing redness around your tummy tuck incision can be minimized by keeping it moisturized and protected. If you notice dryness or flaking, apply a thick layer of lotion before dressing the surgical site. In most cases, redness around a tummy tuck will fade in time.
Tummy tuck surgery is a procedure commonly performed to remove excess skin and fat after pregnancy.
When you see redness around the tummy tuck incision and no drainage, it is probably a blood clot. If drainage is present, this will probably disappear with time and can be managed with dressing changes. You may also have some bruising on your abdomen at various times during recovery due to the pulling and compression of your tissue from surgery but it should look like a blush by day 4 or 5
The redness around the tummy tuck incision is expected and normal as the body heals. You should be able to notice a difference in a few weeks. If you’re still experiencing redness after 6 weeks, schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon or facial doctor.
Redness around the incision is common and typically clears up within a week or two. If you are still seeing redness after a month then I would recommend you see your plastic surgeon as it may suggest an infection or other issues.
The redness around the incision can be normal for several days to weeks. It shouldnt be pussing or weeping and it shouldnt get worse as you heal. If it does, you will need to call your doctor.
One of the most common questions we receive from patients is: why have I developed a red area around my incision? Getting some degree of redness around your incision is a normal consequence of surgery, but if it does not disappear or worsen, then you should see your doctor.
When you’re recovering from tummy tuck surgery, you may notice a redness around your incision. This temporary discoloration is normal and typically subsides within 24 to 48 hours. The discoloration can be treated with antibacterial creams or ointments (or powders) that are applied directly to the skin around the incision site.
While redness and swelling around the incision site is normal after a tummy tuck procedure, it can sometimes be more extreme than expected. There are multiple factors that can contribute to this condition, such as the patient’s skin type, the area treated and degree of compression used during surgery. It is also possible for certain medications to cause blood vessels to dilate, which would then cause more excessive redness in this area.
The redness is normal and will subside within a few weeks of your tummy tuck. The result of the procedure should be visible after 4 to 6 weeks. You should prevent yourself from wearing pressure clothing, such as jeans or belts, during this time as it can cause tension on incision and slow down healing process. When wearing your clothes, make sure they are loose fitting around your waist area.
A tummy tuck can be done by different methods.
Many people find that their incisions take anywhere from 2-3 weeks to completely heal. The redness around the incision may look quite intense at first, but your body will continue to get it looking much better.
This incision will be 10-12cm long and is in a relatively painless place on the body. The muscles are there to protect the internal organs and when they are cut during surgery, it may be uncomfortable for you. You should not experience any discomfort during this process.
Redness around tummy tuck incision: Sometimes, a patient can experience abrasion towards the end of recovery, especially where the tape was placed to hold the skin during healing. If redness occurs at this point in time, minor skin irritation usually will disappear within one or two days without any further treatment needed. In more severe cases of abrasions and skin irritations caused by tape use, topical antibiotic ointment may be applied as needed. If you are experiencing redness around your tummy tuck incision, it is important to consult with us right away to ensure proper care is provided for your incision
Redness around the incision is a common feature of tummy tuck surgery. This redness should resolve over several weeks and not be anything to worry about, although it can become rather unsightly while it is present. An experienced cosmetic surgeon will have dealt with this complication before and has developed techniques to deal with it, so that it is kept to a minimum.
If you have redness around your tummy tuck incision, it may take several months to resolve and can delay your ability to return to work. The redness is caused by a dilated blood vessel under the skin that has leaked into the surrounding tissue. It is called hematoma and occurs in less than 3% of patients undergoing tummy tuck surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery causes redness around the incision.
A little bit of post-operative redness around the incision area is not uncommon for patients undergoing tummy tuck surgery. Redness can last for about a week after surgery. This usually goes away by itself within a few days and will not affect your recovery or healing in any way.
If you’re a tummy tuck patient following your surgeon’s instructions, you should expect to see redness around the incision. It’s completely normal and expected. The redness should fade within two to three weeks, but if at any time it persists longer than one month, contact your doctor.
A red mark usually means you have an incision somewhere on the body which is still healing. A surgical incision can take several months to heal, and can become itchy or sore at times.It is perfectly normal for your surgeon to ask you to keep the redness around your tummy tuck incision clean by using a mild soap and water.
If you have redness around your tummy tuck incision, it is time to call your doctor. Redness that doesn’t go away after a few days can be due to many things. In some cases it may be related to a different problem, such as a hematoma or infection. It may mean that you are healing at a slower rate than anticipated and will need further treatment.
Redness around the incision. This is perfectly normal. The redness will be present for many months after surgery, but it should eventually go away. In the meantime it will not affect your final result or healing any way.
As soon as the stitches or staples are removed, redness around your incision may occur but should go away soon after. If you notice this, do not worry; it is normal to be pink for several weeks to several months following surgery.
Make a habit of inspecting your abdomen for any redness, swelling or unusual discoloration. If you notice anything suspicious, discuss it with your plastic surgeon immediately.
In most cases, patients notice a slight increase in redness around the incision site which may last for several days or weeks. It’s important to keep the area clean, dry and elevated as much as possible over this time period. Improvement should be visible after about a week as healing progresses.
tummy tuck incision infection treatment
Mary Choy, PharmD, is board-certified in geriatric pharmacotherapy and is an active leader in professional pharmacy associations.
Infection is always a potential risk after any type of surgery, and plastic surgery is no exception. Even though many plastic surgeries are done to change or enhance some aspect of a person’s appearance, rather than for medical reasons, such procedures still involve making incisions in the skin. Because the skin provides a natural barrier against bacteria that can cause infection, any opening in the skin can leave the door wide open for unwanted bugs.
Post-Plastic Surgery Infections
An infection that takes hold after surgery can cause a person to become very ill. In the case of plastic surgery, it also can have an enormous impact on the final outcome—how you look afterward.
Sometimes an infection after a procedure such as a tummy tuck requires an incision to be reopened in order to drain pus or infected fluid, again creating a more noticeable and unsightly scar. And in the case of a surgery that involves an implant, such as breast augmentation or chin augmentation, if an infection manages to spread from the incision to the implant, the implant may have to be removed. Most doctors will wait three to six months before trying to place a new implant.
Pre-Op Precautions
Preventing infection after plastic surgery actually starts before a surgeon makes the first cut. The room you’ll have your surgery in will be cleaned and sterilized, the doctor and staff will be dressed in proper surgical attire (scrubs, gloves, face masks), the area of your body to be operated on will be prepped with an antiseptic—all part of what’s called aseptic technique.
If despite these infection-preventive practices bacteria still find their way into an incision, it’s likely not a problem: In the majority of cases, the body’s own defense mechanisms will step in and destroy the invaders before they can settle in and multiply.
Overall, the risk of infection after plastic surgery for most people is very low—about 1 percent.
Some folks are more susceptible than others, including those who have diabetes, smoke, take steroids, or have certain vascular conditions. The longer a procedure takes the higher the risk of infection as well.
What You Can Do to Avoid Infection
This doesn’t mean if you’re planning to have plastic surgery there’s nothing you need to do to help protect yourself from infection. Start by making sure the doctor you work with is fully qualified and experienced. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) advises looking for a plastic surgeon who’s board-certified.
Your plastic surgeon will have specific instructions for how you should prepare for your procedure. Follow them! If you smoke and you’re advised to quit, for example, do it. The healthier you are going into surgery, the better able your immune system will be able to kick in if necessary.
how to break up scar tissue after tummy tuck
There are a lot of things to prepare for when it comes to your tummy tuck surgery. After you’ve met with your board-certified plastic surgeon and put your surgical date on the calendar, it’s important to take the right steps to get ready. In between meal prepping and setting up your recovery area, however, one important step is preparing yourself and your mindset for what happens during your recovery and beyond. It’s easy to imagine your ultimate results with a newer, flatter you, but one important thing to keep in mind is that it’ll be longer than you think before you’ll feel comfortable showing off your new stomach.
That’s because scarring is a regular part of the surgery. It can be helpful to be mentally prepared for this so it’s not so defeating to see during your recovery. In fact, there are some steps you can take during your recovery and in the months following to make sure your scar is as discrete as possible. Although Dr. Kayastha can recommend your best options, here’s what to know about tummy tuck scars and what you can do about them.
The size of your scar will largely depend on your unique procedure. Traditional tummy tucks will have a medium amount of scarring versus the fleur-de-lis and circumferential tummy tucks, which will require more extensive incisions for best results. The mini tummy tuck will have the least amount of scarring because it limits itself to a smaller area.
So, although your tummy tuck scar can be larger or smaller depending on your unique procedure, every surgical procedure will leave behind some type of scarring. It’s simply a natural product of the way your skin heals back together over time.
Your incisions can heal enough to get you back to your normal schedule within a couple of weeks. However, just because your incisions have healed shut, it doesn’t mean there will be no visible signs of your incisions. As the months go on, you’ll see a gradual reduction in pigmentation and texture around your incisions, but it can take up to a full year for your scar to settle into its final appearance. Managing your scar appropriately within this first year can drastically improve it so you ultimately have no noticeable scarring.
The good news is that there are a variety of ways to minimize the appearance of your tummy tuck scar. These are usually best done during your early recovery period as your skin goes through the most change.
One of the most preferred options for patients is silicone treatments. These can come in gel or sheet forms and they help nurture the skin and provide a more hydrated environment in which new skin cells can grow and repair the incision. When your skin is hydrated, it reduces the rapid production of collagen. Excess collagen production is often responsible for the appearance of enlarged, textured, pigmented scarring. When used every day – especially during recovery – silicone treatments can drastically reduce the chances that you’ll have visible scarring.
There is some evidence that regular scar massage during your recovery can help break down scar tissue before it becomes excessive. It’s a method often used in physical therapy to prevent the formation of scar tissue in important musculoskeletal structures like the ligaments and soft tissues after injuries. It’s important to only begin scar massage when your incision is fully healed (with no scabbing) and won’t be prone to reopening because of movement. The technique requires a lubricating oil like Vitamin E oil and specific massaging techniques to loosen and release the tissues. It can take six months to a year to see results from scar massage, so it’s important to remain consistent and try pairing it with other methods.
Keeping your scar protected from UV damage is one of the best ways to prevent hyper- or hypopigmentation as your scar heals. During your skin’s wound-healing process, it’s especially sensitive to photodamage which can make your scar more visible. Make a habit to wear SPF 30+ on your scar every day, as well as keeping it covered from sun exposure and avoiding extensive time outdoors.
If you still don’t achieve the scar appearance you want with at-home methods, there are a number of treatment options and procedures that can help.
Microneedling is an excellent anti-aging skin treatment, but it can also achieve great results over time with scars. It works by generating micro-wounds in the skin that jumpstart its natural collagen production. Additionally, it can help break up scar tissue and remodel the skin with a package of treatments. Over time, you’ll see a reduction in pigmentation and texture as the skin rejuvenates and grows healthy new cells.
Chemical peels use concentrated acidic solutions to chemically exfoliate the skin. They can be customized to specific depths depending on your needs and can remove pigmented cells and scar tissue with a series of treatments. As you go through treatment, the skin will begin to look brighter, smoother, and more evenly toned.
The Fraxel laser platform offers a hybrid of both kinds of laser treatments – ablative and non-ablative. Ablative treatments work similarly to microneedling and use your skin’s natural wound-healing response. Non-ablative treatments target the deep structures of the skin and the cells located there through light energy that passes through the surface. With this combination, Fraxel can effectively generate new collagen production on the surface while also treating pigmentation and texture.
tummy tuck scar healing stages
The healing process of a Tummy Tuck scar can be divided into three stages: closure, establishment, and maturity.
The closure stage is the initial healing process, which typically lasts for about 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. During this stage, the incision site will be closed with sutures or staples, and the wound will begin to heal.
The establishment stage is the next phase of healing, which typically lasts for about 3 to 6 months after surgery. During this stage, the incision site will continue to heal and the scar will start to mature.
The final stage of healing, maturity, can last for up to one year after surgery, or even more. During this stage, the scar will continue to mature and will become less noticeable.
The First 3 to 6 Months: Tummy Tuck Scar Formation and Collagen Production
The first 3 to 6 months is the stage of collagen production, the body will produce new collagen fibers to repair the damaged tissue. Collagen production occurs in response to the injury and it helps to rebuild and strengthen the tissue, helping to improve the appearance of the scar. During this stage, it is important to protect the scar from sun exposure, avoid strenuous activities and follow the post-surgery instructions given by the surgeon to promote optimal healing.
One Year Post-Tummy Tuck: Tummy Tuck Scar Maturity and Final Healing Stages
The final stage of Tummy Tuck scar healing typically occurs around one year post-surgery, when the scar reaches maturity and reaches its final appearance. By this time, the incision site will have healed and the scar will have flattened and lightened in color. However, it’s important to note that the healing process can vary depending on the individual patient, as well as the type of tummy tuck performed.
During the maturity stage, the scar will continue to become less noticeable and will be softer and less raised. The scar will be less red and the surrounding skin will have regained its normal color. The scar may also have become less sensitive and less itchy. At this stage, the scar will have reached its final appearance, but it may not be fully invisible.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the healing process doesn’t end at one year post-surgery. It’s important to continue to take care of the scar to prevent any issues, this includes using sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure, avoiding picking or scratching the scar, and keeping the scar moisturized.
Types of Tummy Tuck Scars: Belly Button, Lower Abdomen, Pelvic Area
There are three main types of Tummy Tuck scars: belly button, lower abdomen, and pelvic area.
The belly button area is a common location for scarring during a traditional tummy tuck procedure. This is because the belly button is attached to the abdominal wall during the surgery and thus the scar will form a circle around the belly button. However, the visibility of the scar can vary depending on the extent of skin and tissue removal, and the technique used by the surgeon. In some cases, the skin may be pulled or tucked enough that the scarring is less noticeable.
A lower abdomen scar is a horizontal scar that runs along the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. Depending on the type of tummy tuck and the individual patient’s needs, the incision can be shorter or longer, and may extend from hip to hip.
This type of scar is produced when the skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen. The scar is usually well-hidden by clothing and swimwear, making it less noticeable.
A pelvic area scar is a horizontal scar that runs along the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. This type of scar is produced when the skin and fat are removed from the pelvic area, it’s less common than the other types of scars. The scar is usually well-hidden by clothing and swimwear, making it less noticeable.
What Will My Tummy Tuck Scars Look Like?
It’s important to understand that all surgical procedures leave behind some degree of scarring, and a Tummy Tuck is no exception.
The scarring process is different for each individual, but plastic surgeons have different techniques to minimize scarring. For example, the use of surgical tape, silicone sheeting, and laser therapy are some of the most common options.
The scarring process takes time, and the final results may not be visible until several months after the surgery. Patients should also be aware that there is no guarantee that the scars will be completely invisible, but the goal is to make them as minimal and inconspicuous as possible.
Tummy Tuck scars can be visible, but the postoperative care and follow-up instructions given by the surgeon play a crucial role in reducing the visibility of the scars.
Personal Factors that Affect Tummy Tuck Wound Healing
Smoking is one of the most significant personal factors that can affect wound healing. Nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels, reducing the blood flow to the surgical area and slowing the healing process. If you are a smoker, it’s important to quit smoking at least 4-6 weeks before the surgery, and continue to abstain from smoking for at least 4-6 weeks after the surgery to ensure proper healing.
Another personal factor that can affect wound healing is obesity. Excess weight can put additional stress on the surgical area and make it more difficult for the incision to heal properly. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight and BMI, prior and after the surgery, to ensure optimal healing.
Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders can also affect the healing process. These conditions can affect the blood flow to the surgical area and slow the healing process. It’s important to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with your surgeon before the surgery, and to follow any special instructions to manage those conditions during the healing process.
In addition, an adequate and balanced diet, drinking enough water and maintain a healthy lifestyle is important for wound healing. It’s also important to follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions, including taking any prescribed medications, keeping the surgical area clean and dry, and avoiding strenuous activities.
Abnormal Tummy Tuck Scars: Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
It’s important to understand that not all scars heal in the same way. While most patients will develop fine, narrow, and discolored scars that will fade over time, some patients may develop abnormal scars known as keloids or hypertrophic scars. These types of scars can be unsightly, itchy, and even painful and can cause emotional distress to patients.
Keloids are raised scars that extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They are caused by an overproduction of collagen and can be more common in certain individuals, such as people with darker skin tones, or in certain areas of the body, such as the chest or shoulders. Keloids are more difficult to treat and may require additional treatments such as cortisone injections, cryotherapy, or laser therapy.
Hypertrophic scars, on the other hand, are raised scars that stay within the boundaries of the original wound. They are also caused by an overproduction of collagen but do not extend beyond the wound. They are more common than keloids and can be treated with topical creams, silicone sheeting, and pressure therapy.
Preventing Abnormal Tummy Tuck Scarring
The first step in preventing abnormal scarring is to choose an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon. An experienced surgeon will have a good understanding of the healing process, and will take steps to minimize the visibility of the scars. They will also have the necessary training and experience to manage any complications that may arise during the healing process.
Second, it’s important to follow postoperative instructions carefully. This includes avoiding sun exposure, keeping the incision area clean and dry, and avoiding strenuous activities that can put additional stress on the surgical area.
Third, it’s important to use appropriate wound dressings and scar management techniques. These can include the use of surgical tape, silicone sheeting, and laser therapy. These techniques can help to minimize the visibility of the scars and can also reduce the risk of abnormal scarring.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations and understand that there is no guarantee that all scars will be invisible, but the goal is to make them as minimal and inconspicuous as possible.
The Role of Nutrition and Diet in Tummy Tuck Scar Healing
While the surgical technique and postoperative care are crucial, nutrition and diet also play a significant role in the healing process and in the final appearance of the scar.
Proper nutrition is essential for wound healing. Adequate intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals are necessary for the formation of new tissue and the repair of damaged tissue. Patients should aim to consume a balanced diet that includes lean protein, fruits, and vegetables, and adequate hydration to support the healing process.
Protein is particularly important for wound healing as it is a building block of collagen, the main component of scars. Foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes are good sources of protein. Vitamin C, found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and kale, is also essential for collagen production.
Patients should also avoid consuming foods that can impede the healing process such as processed foods high in sugar, saturated fats, and salt, as well as alcohol. These foods can cause inflammation and increase the risk of infection.
In addition, supplements such as vitamin C, zinc, and arginine have been shown to improve wound healing and to reduce scarring. It’s important to discuss any supplements you are taking with your surgeon before the surgery, as some may be contraindicated for use after surgery.
