My Incision is Opening at 19 Days Post Operation with White Pus and Now White Cream Cheese Look Inside the Wound? (photo) Doctor Answers, Tips
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My Incision is Opening at 19 Days Post Operation with White Pus and Now White Cream Cheese Look Inside the Wound? (photo)

It started at PO day 17 with a little white stringy pus coming out and now two days later it is a white cream cheese looking substance in the incision under the scab. I called my doctor before they closed for their Christmas holiday and my doctors 3 week vacation and the nurse called in Keflex for me and told me to call after the Holidays if it doesn't get better. Should I worry about the white stuff and that it is just opening more? Should I be worried about the opening and the white stuff?

10 Doctor Answers | Asked by Audrey032
+2

My Incision is Opening at 19 Days

This does not look particularly alarming, as there seems to be little or no inflammation around the incision. It seems likely that this represents a "stitch abscess," a localized infection at the site of an undissolved suture, and the suture needs to be removed. You really need to be seen by a doctor. Your surgeon should have a cross covering surgeon if he/she is away. If no other options you may need to try an urgent care center or ER. "Come back in a few weeks if not better"... more
+2

My Incision is Opening at 19 Days Post Operation with White Pus and Now White Cream Cheese Look Inside the Wound?

You have skin edge necrosis that needs in person medical attention. I "hope" your chosen doc has a cross cover doc not just a nurse. DEMAND to be seen by a doctor!
+2

Localized drainage from tummy tuck incision

Thanks for providing photos. Based on the photos, you have a small opening of your incision where the whitish drainage is coming from. It's probably devitalized tissues underneath the skin. You do have small and limited amount of redness at edge of the incision. It's good to quantify it by using a marking pen to outline the edge of the redness and see if it's expanding. The small opening should heal with proper local wound care. You should have your surgeon looking at it to make sure it's a... more

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+2

Drainage of pus from a wound after abdominoplasty should be examined by the surgeon.

The situation in the photograph does not look like a serious problem. However, it's just a photograph. I would recommend having the wound examined by a surgeon soon.
+2

Small wound infection following an abdominoplasty

You have more than likely developed a small suture abscess under the scabbed area of your incision. This is not unusual and will require the suture to be removed. The antibiotic will make it better but it will continue to drain until the suture is removed.
+2

Purulent drainage from wound

Thanks for your question and excellent pictures. You do not look like you have cellulitis (infection of the skin itself) and barring that you having fever or chills, I think you just have some wounds that are in the process of healing. I am a big advocate of keeping clean dressings over draining wounds.
+2

Open Incision after Tummy Tuck

Based on your pictures, and assuming you aren't having signs of infection (significant fevers, chills, increased skin pain and redness), you should heal fine but it may require some time. You surgeon should have another surgeon who will "cover" for him or her while out of town, so if things get worse, ask to be seen by someone else.
+2

White Stuff in Incision after Tummy Tuck

The opening may be just a little delayed wound healing, and the white material may not be pus. You should always be worried about infection, but, in the absence of an area of redness or fever or fluid collection or pain at the site, oral antibiotics and observation is appropriate. My suspicion is that you will heal wihout any repercussions as a result of this. However,... more
+1

Pus Coming out of my Tummy Tuck Incision and Doctor on Vacation

Optimal medical care is provided by the ready availability of the healthcare provider. In cases where the patient has had a surgical procedure, a physician knowledgable in the same specialty should examine the patient when the patient notes a post-operative complication. All plastic surgeons have a colleague backing them up when they are not available or out of town. You should ask to be referred to that person for evaluation and treatment now, even though as many colleagues have... more
+1

Is The White Stuff In My Abdominal Incision A Sign Of Infection?

Dear Audrey, Thank you for your photographs and this very appropriate question. The good news is except for the white material you refer to, there are no other signs of infection on your abdominal incision. Normally, if you were infected, there would be redness around the open wound. The white material you are referring to, and that is seen in your photograph, is more than likely a dissolving stitch or a dissolvable staple that has failed to dissolve. All good plastic... more
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