Tummy Tuck Q&A
94%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
2,299 Reviews
Tummy Tuckbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Tummy Tuck Cost: $7,925

Learn about Tummy Tuck

7,727 people and 863 doctors are talking about Tummy Tuck

Get Free Email Updates

Is Foul Smelling Discharge Normal After Tummy Tuck?

asked 2 years ago by ccf in ny
Latest answer by George J. Beraka, MD
Question viewed 824 times
Tags: healing, infection

Part of my incision has separated and has a cream colored foul smelling discharge. My plastic surgeon says it is not infected and will heal over time. I am worried it looks disgusting!

Read my review "Strange Discharge After Tummy Tuck"

2 answers to Is Foul Smelling Discharge Normal After Tummy Tuck?

+1

I am afraid it sounds like an infection.

Hi. You probably have an infection, or some necrotic tissue. You certainly need attention. 1) The wound should be cultured to see what bacteria are growing. 2) You should be on broad spectrum antibiotics by mouth until the results of the culture are known. 3) You need wound care depending on what it looks like: antibiotic cream, or debridment, or irrigation. 4) You might need a sonogram of your abdomen to make sure there are no collections of fluid or pus.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bad smelling drainage after tummy tuck

Foul smelling discharge is not typical, but may or may not be concerning with wound healing complications after tummy tuck. Creamy, foul smelling drainage some times is pus, which can be a sign of infection. It can also be, however, a blood collection which has liquefied and is now spontaneously draining or can be normal drainage from a healing wound. Bottom line: continue close follow-up with your plastic surgeon. Ultimately, he or she will be the best judge of whether or not your drainage... more
Sam Jejurikar, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question