Tummy Tuck: Q&A
Ask a QuestionIncision is Splitting in Center and Has a Yellow Pus Coming out - is This Normal?
I am 3 weeks post tummy tuck and my incision steri strips fell off in the center. The incision is splitting about a quarter of an inch open in the center and there is yellow pus oozing from the center. Is this normal? Will it close back up or do I need it re-sutured?
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15 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
akechter
in Danville, CA
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Post Operative Tummy Tuck
First, I would contact your plastic surgeon for an appointment to have him/her examine the wound. It is very common to have an open area in the middle of your abdomen after surgery. You do want to make sure that it is not infected. Should no infection be present, then proper wound care should be discussed between you and your plastic surgeon.
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Delayed wound healing after tummy tuck surgery
Occasionally after tummy tuck surgery there may be areas of healing delay due to decreased blood supply to the affected area. The central part of the incision above the pubic area is one of these areas where this can occur. Usually these areas are small and with conservative treatment and dressing changes they will heal. I encourage you to see your plastic surgeon to set up a method of care for this problem.
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See your surgeon ASAP
Hello,
Wound complications are beyond online "general advice" boundaries. Get to your surgeon's office ASAP for proper care.
Best Regards,
John Di Saia MD
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Superficial openings post-tummy tuck
I would consult your surgeon to rule out any infections. Signs of infection may include fever, chills, abnormal swelling, or redness around the incision. It is important that you follow all post-op instructions to avoid any complications. It is common for patients to experience superficial openings, which will heal over time. It is difficult to determine whether you would need re-suturing without current photos. Often these openings will heal with dressing changes. Scar revision may be...
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Wound opening s/p tummy tuck
Although not normal, this is not all that rare. It could be due to a small area where the blood supply to the skin was not sufficient and the area of skin died (necrosis). It can also occur when a dissolvable suture gets 'spit" out to the surface rather than dissolving and you can get a small pus collection around it ("suture abcess"). Either way, your surgeon should see you and assess this. Usually these areas are treated with local wound care and allowed to...
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Wound separation after tummy tuck
Wound separation after a tummy tuck, while not an unusual occurrence, is usually limited and will heal with some local wound care. Nevertheless you should see your plastic surgeon for advice on how to care for the open wound. It is rare that we need to do either a re-closure or a scar revision for these minor setbacks, the abdominal incision usually heals wonderfully, given enough time. You should keep lines of communication open with your surgeon and visit him or her frequently until the...
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Wound separation after a tummy tuck
Hello and thank you for the question.
You may be experiencing a small dehiscense along the midline of your incision. This occurence is not completely uncommon, but with proper care should heal in due time. I recommend you follow up with your physician for an evaluation and managment plan.
Best of luck,
Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.
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Common Complication of Tummy Tuck
This is very common. That area has the most tension and sometimes spreads or opens. sometimes a suture will "spit" causing a opening. This will heal just fine. Your doctor should be aware.
see video
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
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Abdominoplasty post operative concerns
When in doubt contact your board certified plastic surgeon. Patients heal differently and it is important to make certain your surgeon is aware as this could be a potential complication. Best of luck!
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Incision is Splitting in Center and Has a Yellow Pus Coming out - is This Normal?
Not normal best to see your PS ASAP to offer wound care. If re suturing is needed than he should make that decision.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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