WARNING Graphic Picture: Is This Infection?? (photo)

I had a TT with MR and Lipo on 10/14/11. I have recently changed surgeons because I got Staph and MRSA which my first surgeon didn't treat. I now have to be opened again to be cleaned out and have excess skin removed. Tonight while I was changing I noticed greenish fluid coming out of my incision. The area is hot and red right now, and I can walk my fingers down my incision and more greenish fluid oozes out. Should I call my doctor right now? I don't have a fever, and I'm not on an antibiotic.

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by 0351_wife in Richmond, VA

Doctor Answers (9)
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Drainage from incision after tummy tuck

You need to call your plastic surgeon right away. This appears to be a wound infection with a draining abscess, although it could represent fat necrosis where some of the surrounding tissue dies and liquifies. The incision will likely need to be opened further to allow for good drainage, cultures of the drainage should be taken and antibiotics started. The sooner this is started the better for your healing and recovery.

Call Now.

The short answer is that you have an ongoing infection and need treatment. Don't delay.

When to call your surgeon....

Most plastic surgeons would want to know that an abdominoplasty incision had opened and was draining fluid such as the photos show. It sounds like you have certainly had a difficult time with your recovery from your abdominoplasty. Unfortunately despite best efforts, infections can occur with all times of surgery. Even removing a small cyst or a mole can lead to an infection due to a break in the skin. Your post stated that you had to change surgeons and this is... more

Abscess?

You will definitely need further treatment. You should contact your surgeon and be seen as soon as possible. You will likely need to have the wound opened and packed and be placed on antibiotics. Antibiotics alone will not take care of your problem. Long term, you may require a scar revision once everything is healed after the infection is cleared. Amazingly, many patients end up with a good cosmetic result even after an infection. Sorry that this happened... more

Donald Griffin, MD

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Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Surgical Complication - Abscess with surrounding infection

You have a self-draining abscess with obvious long standing infection. At this point, in the least, the scar needs to be opened wider and the abscess pocket needs to be cleaned of all pus. The pus must be sent off for multiple cultures and the pocket needs to be washed, have all dead tissues removed and it needs to be packed with gauze and have the dressings changed daily. Appropriate antibiotics should be started and adjusted in a few days based on what germs grew in your culture... more

Call Surgeon Now?

Thank you for the question and pictures. I am sorry to hear about the complications you have experienced. Your description and pictures are consistent with ongoing infection. You should call your surgeon immediately. Again, based on the description of a “hot and red” area It is likely that your surgeon will prescribe antibiotics. Best wishes.

Infection after Tummy Tuck?

Yes, you should call your surgeon now! I think most Plastic Surgeons would much rather you call if you have any questions or concerns than have you at home trying to manage your problem on the internet.

This looks like an infection.

This looks like an infection. If you have not already done so, seek medical attention immediately before the infection progesses and gets worse. Absence of fever does not mean that there isn't a local problem in the area of the surgery.

Drainage after abdominal surgery

You should absolutely call your surgeon. The drainage could be pus or fat necrosis fluid. Fat necrosis usually has a greasy look to it with no odor. Pus usually has an odor. Either way, you need to be examined, cultures taken of the fluid, and possible dainage. Best wishes to you, Dr. H