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Had DIEP Flap Surgery - Incision on Belly Splitting Badly
I had DIEP flap surgery 4 weeks ago, breasts are fine, some issues with the tummy incision. my incision started to separate 3 weeks later. saw my PS and he saw infection, so I am on an anti-biotic now, and he said to keep a dressing on it, keep an eye on my temp. I see him in another week to take a look I am an ex-smoker, quit a few weeks before surgery. I have searched everywhere for information but have come up dry. about 1/2 inch deep and 6-7 inches along my incision
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9 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
eringobragh14
in Glendale, CA
+2
Wound dehiscence
Wound dehiscence, wound breaking open after surgery, is a potential complication after DIEP or tummy tuck (or any surgery). It is not a life-threatening problem, but an annoying one. At this time the treatment is wound care. Use of VAC therapy can be helpful and speed up your healing. Google VAC Therapy and ask your surgeon if he thinks it would be helpful.
Sincerely,
Martin Jugenburg, MD
+2
Incision on belly splitting after DIEP flap surgery
It sounds like you and your plastic surgeon are on top of things. You have quit smoking and your infection is being managed. Whatever the dressing change, a clean, moist (not wet) wound heals best. You can consider a scar revision once things have healed in but it's doubtful that you'll need it. DIEP flap reconstruction is a highly complex operation and it's wonderful that your breasts are doing well.
+2
You will heal well
You have a common complication after abdominal surgery on smokers. Do not worry and your wound will heal. May need to start wound vac. This a special wound care after the infection is resolved.
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+2
Wound separation and smoking
Welcome to the bad world of smoking,. Even when you quit, there are high risks of wound complications from surgery. In all likelihood this will go on to heal conservatively, but you should follow closely with your surgeon.
+2
Wound separation after DIEP flap
I agree with the other surgeons who have responded. Wound complications and infections can occur after DIEP flap surgery and it sounds like your surgeon is working to help get the wound closed. The human body has a remarkable ability to heal in situations like this. Make sure you continue to see your surgeon regularly. It sounds like this will take some time to fully heal, but in most cases, it will not compromise your results in the end.
+2
Diep Flap
With suvh an extensive surgery, history of smoking, these complications are not uncommon. You seem to be treated very well, with a responsive plastic surgeon. Wound care and antibiotics and follow up.
You may want to discuss the addition of wound vac, and home health care coming to the house to change the dressig on the wound vac.
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+2
Had DIEP Flap Surgery - Incision on Belly Splitting Badly
Sounds like your surgeon is providing acceptable care. But you may need more in person observation. Ask for home nurse care for dressings changes daily or every other day. Or ask to be seen in office 3 times a week. This will alleviate some of your anxiety. From MIAMI
+1
Delayed wound healing after DIEP flap
This is an unfortunate complication seen more commonly in ex-smokers. In order to optimize wound healing, I recommend multivitamin, protein supplementation, and a well balanced diet.
In regards to wound care, it may be necessary to undergo a debridement procedure to remove any nonviable tissue or fat necrosis. As described by my colleagues, a wound vac may be helpful to speed up the healing process.
Lastly, be careful of excess tension...
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+1
DIEP Flap, wond, tummy tuck incision
It is an unfortunate complication with the low transverse incision used for tummy tucks and the DIEP flap. This wounds have a tension when they are closed in the operating room. In most instances this area relaxes over the next several week. Breakdown most often occurs near the middle of the incision over the pubic area. This point is now further from the blood supply and is usually under the most tension. ALTHOUGH IT IS GREAT THAT YOU STOPPED SMOKING....
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Austin Plastic Surgeon
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