Had DIEP Flap Surgery - Incision on Belly Splitting Badly

asked 1 year ago by eringobragh14 in Glendale, CA
Latest answer by Martin Jugenburg, MD
Question viewed 569 times
Tags: antibiotic, DIEP, incision, infection, separation

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

7 answers to Had DIEP Flap Surgery - Incision on Belly Splitting Badly

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

Martin Jugenburg, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

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.

Nia Banks, MD, PhD
Washington DC Plastic Surgeon

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.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

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.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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.

David Greenspun, MD, MSc
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.davidgreenspunmd.com

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.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon