Problems with Wound Healing After Tummy Tuck.

Had lapband in 07 & lost 90 lb. After a TT & BL in 2/11 I had had 1 spot near umbilicus that hasn't healed. Fluid builds up around umbilicus & band port. Had surgery 2 weeks ago to clean wound, remove stitches around port, & was healing nicely. Drains came out, then 10 days post-op my incision opened & lots of drainage--25ml daily. PS said to wick it & I see her next week. She said if this surgery failed we may have to remove my band. Do you think I'll heal? Any other options to removing band?

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by CateyB

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Chronic drainage from abdominal wound

Thank you for the helpful relevant information and sorry that you have had so much aggravation. One of the reasons for recurrence of drainage is an infection or sub-acute infection with a foreign body present (lap band port). Do you know if the fluid was drained? Had you been placed on antibiotics? Do you have diabetes? Do you smoke? If there was a fixed lining of this cavity that was not removed at the time of your most recent surgery, then the drainage will likely continue. Answers... more

Persistent Drainage after Tummy Tuck in a Lap Band Massive Weight Loss Patient

I am truly sorry to hear of your condition. To summarize your history, you had a lap band procedure resulting in a weight loss of 90 pounds. In Feb 2011 you had a Tummy Tuck which resulted in persistent drainage thru the belly button. Nine months of drainage later, in 11/2011 you had an unspecified debridement cleaning procedure which was apparently complicated by a fluid collection / seroma. If indeed you waited 9 months to address persistent drainage, you most likely have a chronic... more

Tummy Tuck Wound Healing Problems?

Thank you for the question. I'm sorry to hear about the complications you are experiencing. Your situation is somewhat complex given the presence of the foreign body (lap band port). I think whether you will end up healing ( and be able to keep the lap band port) will ultimately depend on whether you have an infection present. If there is an infection present it may not resolve until the foreign body (lap band port) is removed. If on the other hand, the drainage you... more