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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

Tummy Tuck & Lipo - Frustrated with Incision Problems

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I am three weeks post-op and my incision looks...

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DelishaAugust 3, 2009
WORTH IT$8,000

I am three weeks post-op and my incision looks terrible. (I had a tummy tuck and lipo) On day 5 I developed an infection, ended up in the ER and was given Keflex to help combat it. I called my Doctor's office the next day as instructed and they didn't see me for almost 8 days after my ER visit.

It's been 4 days since my DR visit and he told me that I have one of two options. I can let my incision heal the way it is and see how it looks or I can have him go back in and "fix" the area free of charge. I decided to wait and see how it heals but in the meantime I am left with an open area on my incision (right above my pubic bone) that is approx 2-3 inches long and having to place a saline dressing on it 2-3 times per day. The area where the infection was looks pretty deep and is such a hassle.

I have been so depressed because of all of this extra bs that has happened. My Doctor doesn't seemed rattled by it but I can't help but be upset. I don't think I have had unreasonable expectations, I just want to be normal. I can understand having to be swollen and deal with the compression garments but this on top of everything is driving me nuts.

If there are any Doctors out there can you help shed some light on this? How long can I expect this to take to heal? If any one else has had similar experiences I would love to hear how you coped. I read alot about the tummy tuck procedure before I went through with it ( I wanted it for 9 years ) and I have never read anything close to what I am experiencing.

I will rate this "WORTH IT" because I think that once everything heals the way it should I will look much better before but if I was only looking at NOW- I would say NO.

If there are any Doctors out there can you help shed some light on this? How long can I expect this to take to heal? If any one else has had similar experiences I would love to hear how you coped. Thanks!!

Replies (28)

Trishthe dish
August 5, 2009
Tomorrow It will be 3 weeks since I had a full tummy tuck with lipo, arm lift and breast lift with augmentation. I too have developed a problem with my tummy tuck incision. It started seperating in the same area you described about 2 days after the stitches were removed and as of Monday, it had seperated over 3 inches and is gaping in spots. I can't even look at it without feeling sick and dizzy. I wasn't expecting this and had no complications up until this point with any of the other incisions and I have a bunch. My doctor also does not seem to be overly concerned and wants to wait to let it close on it's own. He took a culture of it about a week after it opened and as of yet I haven't received the results but am still taking the Keflex which makes me gag. I understand how frustrated you must be feeling. I had researched this too and felt very prepared for the surgery. Honestly this was the least of my concerns and had really never heard of any one else suffering this type of complication but I feel like it has set me back and I feel disappointed in my results right now. I am still very swollen and I have 1 drain left which is driving me crazy. I had planned to be back at work by now and instead I am home for at least 2 more weeks. I have an excellent doctor and I want to trust that he knows what he is doing. Good luck and try to hang in there. I hope eventually we will both end up happy with our results but until then I am with you...not worth it.
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Delisha
August 9, 2009
It is very frustrating isn't it? The Dr's don't seemed concerned, sure BUT they aren't the ones who forked out all the money or the ones who are having to deal with the results if we don't like them either. Tomorrow I am 4 weeks post-op and I have a Dr appt, I have a lot of questions for him. I will keep ya posted.. it sounds like the exact same thing. Hopefully he has some good news, because I'm about ready to break. I wonder why your drains were in so long.. My left one came out in 3 days, the other in 7... and yes Keflex.. sucks. It made me very nauseous.
Trishthe dish
August 10, 2009
Just an update for you. It does sound like we are having the same problem and my wound culture results came back on Friday. The infection is e-coli bacteria and it's preventing the wound from closing. Keflex won't work on it so they prescribed a stronger antibiotic and hopefully it will start to heal properly. My incision has never been uncovered at home and to this day I have never even touched it. I have been seeing my doctor 2x a week since the surgery to have my dressings and tape changed and can only assume that during one of those appointments someone might not have washed their hands and contaminated the incision. Who knows what happened but I hope that they can fix it now and I will finally heal and be happy with my results. I just wanted to let you know so that in case you do have the same problem, you can get new meds and hopefully start healing as well. Good luck!
Anna79
August 13, 2009
You ladies got me concerned now. Next week will be my 3rd week after the TT and I really hope I don't develop what you ladies talked about. I'm a great believer of herbal medicines and I suggest that you ladies go and buy Arnica. This plant helps with the closing of scars. I feel that it's been helping me a lot.
Stay Young
September 1, 2009
Hi.. This goes out to everyone and I hope it helps. I had a TT also and I had different spots or sections 5-6 across my scar that would just not close. The beginning part of my problem was because the pressure of fluid behind my scar was keeping it open. So on two different occations, he drain spots. But.. what he gave me to put on my spots which was fabulous!!! Most of the sections heald in days. Yes a couple of days... It is silver antibacterial patches. Very, very expensive.. My docter gave them to me. They are originaly used for burn patients and major surgery. They are fabulous.. and I heald just find, although I did not have an infection, he never even took a sample. I guess the swelling and pressure was too much. Good luck...
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