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Infected Incision 3 Weeks Post Op from Tummy Tuck. Should I Worry? (photo)

asked 7 months ago by enstrs in Islamorada, FL
Latest answer by Remus Repta, MD
Question viewed 1,494 times
Tags: 3 weeks post-op, incision, infection, worried, wound

3 weeks ago I had a breast lift with implant, tummy tuck and lipo of the flanks. Attached is a picture of my tummy tuck incision. Is this something I should worry about?

12 answers to Infected Incision 3 Weeks Post Op from Tummy Tuck. Should I Worry? (photo)

Infected incision 3 weeks post-op tummy tuck needs detailed care by your surgeon.

You are right to be concerned about the condition of your incision and umbilicus. I'm a bit worried that you are on-line asking questions, but I will assume that you are getting "unofficial second opinions" regarding what your own surgeon is telling you. Continued follow-up visits, antibiotic therapy, wound care including possible surgical debridement (removing the dead tissue), and particularly examining your breasts to ensure the highest likelihood they do not become... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

Tummy Tuck - Infected Incision 3 Weeks Post Op from Tummy Tuck. Should I Worry?

What you need is appropriate wound care. You have more than an "infected incision;" you appear to have (cannot say for sure via this forum) wound separation due to some necrosis. This is a well-known potential complication of this surgery and the majority of the time it can be treated with local wound care and it will produce a nice result, even though you may need a scar revision at some point in the future in order to achieve that. However, I'm concerned about... more

Alan Engler, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Wound Separation after Tummy Tuck?

Thanks for the question picture. What you are experiencing is a known complication after tummy tuck surgery. It is unclear to me whether you infection are skin irritation/redness. There are a variety of ways to treat this problem but it does usually resolve within a matter of weeks. I would defer to your plastic surgeon for specific treatment plan. Please continue regular follow-up with him/her. I hope this helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

You need local wound care

You have local wound infection/dehiscence and should be treated by your surgeon. You will be fine in long run. You may require scar revision in 6-9 months.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Incision post abdominoplasty

You should be seen by your plastic surgeon right away and followed closely by that individual. The surgeon is the best one to treat you.

Rick Rosen, MD
Norwalk Plastic Surgeon

Evaluation for debridement is warranted

Hello, It looks like you may have some skin and soft-tissue necrosis (lack of blood supply). If this is in fact the case you would benefit from debridement to help expedite the healing process. Regardless if it is a blood supply issue or an infection you should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon as this will require his/her guidance and intervention to help you heal as efficiently as possible. All the best, Dr Repta

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

Infection post tummy tuck

This looks like you are spitting sutures which is not uncommon.Usually your surgeon will remove the sutures and then this should resolve.i often place patients on soem antibiotics to calm things down.

Robert Brueck, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Post tummy tuck incision issues.

What you are experiencing appears to be a dehiscence (separation) of the incision which may or may not be related to infection. The surgery decreases the blood supply to the incision and places it under tension - both of these factors can contribute to a separation of the incision. Frequent follow up with your surgeon and appropriate wound care are usually all that is required. After this heals, you may wish to have a revision of the final scar if it is widened or unaesthetic. The key point... more

David Bogue, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Wound healing problems...

Unfortunately your wound is having healiing problems. Your wound looks like there are areas of necrosis. You are even having a wound problem at the belly button. It makes me wonder if you are a smoker or if you have a medical problem such as diabetes which makes wound healing problems more common. Your surgeon will have to make the decisions regarding wound care. Good luck.

Victor Au, MD
Chapel Hill Plastic Surgeon

Wound healing problems with abdominoplasty

Dear Enstrs, Wound healing issues are a well recognized complication associated with abdominoplasty. Call and follow up with your surgeon to help manage this problem. Generally wounds heal up requiring local care and time. Good luck

Craig Harrison, MD
Tyler Plastic Surgeon

Wound disruption after tummy tuck surgery; possible infection after tummy tuck surgery

Thank you for including the photo with your question. I would certainly follow up with your Plastic Surgeon now because it is not common to see the degree of disruption of the scar at multiple areas as you have several weeks after tummy tuck surgery. You do have an infection as seen in the photo. Hopefully you are not a smoker. This would not be a good thing for you to be doing at this time. Please don't delay in following up with your doctor... more

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Infected Incision 3 Weeks Post Op from Tummy Tuck. Should I Worry? (photo)

Thanks for posting the photo. It shows an infection/dehiscence of the incision in multiple areas. A very unusual occurrence. Are you seeing your PS (if the doctor was a PS) daily or at least 3 times a week for aggressive wound care and debridement? Some thoughts are collagenase cream to help with debridement, excision of any necrotic areas, possible hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and local wound care. And YES this is something to be worried about if you are not receiving excellent follow... more