I Had a Bi-lateral DIEP Flap Procedure Done 3 Months Ago. Having Healing Issues?

I have had issues starting at about 6 weeks out with it healing. A section about 6cm long and 2-3 cm deep had opened up. I was on a regimen of using medihoney every other day until 2 weeks ago (one day of 3 months from surgery) when something opened up and drained all over my clothes (there was tunneling). I am now on antibiotics for infection and packing it every day. I am also appear to look 3 months pregnant. Is there a chance that it is just swelling since the wound has not yet closed?

Tags:

3 months post-op DIEP healing open wound

Comment on this

4 Doctor Answers | Asked by hoppytrigger

Doctor Answers (4)
Community Comments (1)

Delayed Wound Healing with DIEP Flap

I am concerned that you have a retained fluid collection (abscess or seroma) that is not adequately drained. I would recommend close followup with your surgeon and possible evaluation with ultrasound or CT scan to fully evaluate your abdomen. This should give you answers to the source of the problem. It is possible that an outpatient procedure or assistance from a wound care center may be necessary to help resolve the issue. I am sorry for... more

Bilateral DIEP flap healing issues

I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing some healing issues after your bilateral breast reconstruction. It sounds as if you had a fluid collection or abscess that drained out and you are packing your resultant wound to allow it to heal by itself. Given this delayed healing, you are likely very swollen in this area. And this swelling will takes weeks to resolve. Please also see your reconstructive plastic surgeon to make sure you are also not experiencing a rare... more

Healing issues after a DIEP

I am sorry you are having healing issues. Unfortunately, this can happen due to the tension of the abdominal tissues closing after the DIEP, as well as other factors such as smoking, diabetes, etc. Even without the wound it is still too early at 6 weeks to really know how your abdomen is going to look. It takes several months or more after the final healing to know how the abdomen will look. Most of the healing after any surgery takes place in the first weeks after surgery, but there is... more

DIEP flap, Brest cancer, DCIS

Healing issues exist in the area where the flaps were placed to the stress of the mastectomy on the skin of the chest and on the abdomen due to the stress placed on the tissues where the flaps were taken from initially. The abdominal wound is closed under tension usually. The most likely place to have issues is just above the pubic area. Factors that effect wound healing are the size of the patient (BMI), health of the patient which includes conditions such as diabetes and... more

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (1)

hoppytrigger 25 Jul 2012

Just as clarification i am 3.5 months post op and still not closed. It is only in the abdomen the chest healed great. I still look 3 months pregnant from the surgery along the scar line. Like an abdominal bulge. I quit smoking 6 months prior to surgery. I could stand to lose weight due to gaining during chemo. Hope this helps

Ask a Question