I am six weeks post op and my belly button is seeping dark, smelly fluid. I have a 2 inch opening at the scar that is taking a long time to heal even though I maintain it with clean gauze. Today I went in and told him that I felt that there was a lot of fluid retention. When he checked a large amount of puss was extracted. He sent this away for a culture. My doctor didn't use drains because he used a suture method to prevent fluid build up. I am now worried that this caused an infection.
Answer: Infection after tummy tuck
Infections can occur after any surgery.
It is easy to say you should have used drains, but each surgeon's practice is different. Was a fibrin sealant used in lieu of drains? Most surgeons do use drains.
The treatment now will involve thorough removal of all infected materials, usually by exploring the wound and cleaning it out well.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Infection after tummy tuck
Infections can occur after any surgery.
It is easy to say you should have used drains, but each surgeon's practice is different. Was a fibrin sealant used in lieu of drains? Most surgeons do use drains.
The treatment now will involve thorough removal of all infected materials, usually by exploring the wound and cleaning it out well.
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CONTACT NOW September 29, 2014
Answer: Abscess After Tummy Tuck. How is This Treated
I agree, the sutures that you surgeon placed were not the cause of an abscess. You likely had a fluid collection (seroma or hematoma) that became infected. Depending on the size of the abscess and other factors, you may need only debridement and opening and draining the abscess (which it sounds like was done), up to possible re-operation and hospitalization. All of this depends on the extent of the abscess, the result of the culture and how sick you are, if at all. I would thoroughly discuss this with your surgeon.
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Answer: Abscess After Tummy Tuck. How is This Treated
I agree, the sutures that you surgeon placed were not the cause of an abscess. You likely had a fluid collection (seroma or hematoma) that became infected. Depending on the size of the abscess and other factors, you may need only debridement and opening and draining the abscess (which it sounds like was done), up to possible re-operation and hospitalization. All of this depends on the extent of the abscess, the result of the culture and how sick you are, if at all. I would thoroughly discuss this with your surgeon.
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February 23, 2011
Answer: Abscess After Tummy Tuck. How is This Treated?
Standard of care no matter techniques is use of drains. So unfortunately you have experienced the result of poor techniques. You need IV antibiotics and possible re exploration with debridement with excision of any infected materials (sutures) and tissue and DRAINS. Sorry for your issues maybe find another surgeon. I bet this has "never" happened to your chosen surgeon using this technique of suturing the flaps ( one I do not recommend unless some form of drain is used). I have personally operated on 5 of these issues from this techniques over the last year. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl J. Blinski
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Answer: Abscess After Tummy Tuck. How is This Treated?
Standard of care no matter techniques is use of drains. So unfortunately you have experienced the result of poor techniques. You need IV antibiotics and possible re exploration with debridement with excision of any infected materials (sutures) and tissue and DRAINS. Sorry for your issues maybe find another surgeon. I bet this has "never" happened to your chosen surgeon using this technique of suturing the flaps ( one I do not recommend unless some form of drain is used). I have personally operated on 5 of these issues from this techniques over the last year. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl J. Blinski
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February 22, 2011
Answer: Abscess after tummy tuck
An infection or fluid collection can happen after a tummy tuck regardless if drains were used or not. In most cases, draining the abscess or fluid collection (which is what your surgeon did) will take care of the problem.
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Answer: Abscess after tummy tuck
An infection or fluid collection can happen after a tummy tuck regardless if drains were used or not. In most cases, draining the abscess or fluid collection (which is what your surgeon did) will take care of the problem.
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February 22, 2011
Answer: Abscess After Tummy Tuck. How is This Treated?
Occasionally fluid collections will get infected and more rarely the sutures may get infected. When it is a permanent suture it may need to be removed. Howeer, the surgeon may wait If cultures are pending appropriate antibiotics may be prescribed.
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Answer: Abscess After Tummy Tuck. How is This Treated?
Occasionally fluid collections will get infected and more rarely the sutures may get infected. When it is a permanent suture it may need to be removed. Howeer, the surgeon may wait If cultures are pending appropriate antibiotics may be prescribed.
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