18 days Post Tummy Tuck, Yellow Spots Along Incision? (photo)

Question

I'm a 24yr old male, very fit and active before my tummy tuck, non smoker! My incision was healing nicely but then it began to weep in the centre above pubic area, my surgeon put me on bactroban and a course of antibiotics which I have just finished today. I seen my surgeon 2days ago and he said I am healing nicely and my incision is looking a lot better. However I am concerned that I have fat necrosis or a staph infection. There is no smell from the wound and changing dressing daily

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding being 18 days post-tummy tuck, and you have yellow spots along your incision.  Thank you for your history and your pictures.  In analyzing the pictures, you have some slight wound separation.  The yellow spots that you describe are probably due to serous fluid.  Serous fluid is your body's superglue used to glue wounds closed.  I do not see any purulent fluid.  Purulent fluid is a sign of infection.  Purulent fluid is usually a foul-smelling, creamy liquid.  This white to tan, creamy, purulent fluid does not appear in the pictures you attached.  The wound separation you see in the pictures could be due to too much tension in the wound, swelling, or premature dissolving of some of the sutures.  It was appropriate for your plastic surgeon to place you on Bactroban as well as antibiotics.  Currently, you do not have any infection.  There is no erythema, cellulitis, or foul-smelling discharge.  I assume you have no fever or chills.  The absence of clinical signs indicates that you do not have an infection.  Fat necrosis is typically involved when there is liposuction.  Fat necrosis is when a little ball of fat dies and liquefies.  That is not what is being seen in your pictures.  Additionally, you do not have any signs or symptoms of an infection, specifically a staph infection.  Your incision should heal well with time.  You should continue the Bactroban and local wound care to optimize wound healing.  I suggest you increase your daily vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium intake.  I would also suggest you drink approximately 100 g of protein daily in protein shakes.  I would also limit activity and motion, not allowing shower, water, or soap to contact the wound.  You can apply shower water and soap once the wound becomes a little drier.  Good luck.  I hope I have answered your question regarding 18 days postop, and you have yellow spots along your incision.    I hope this information helps you find answers regarding the 360 circumferential lower body lift.  If you have any more questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact aa experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.  Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift.  Do your research.  Ensure they have performed at least 150 circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.  (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo!  I would consult with the doctor who preformed your surgery.  Make sure you are following all post op instructions! Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel

Double Board Certified

Plastic Surgeon

Chicago

Hoffman Estates

Oak Brook

Stephen Salerno, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hello and thanks for the questions and photographs.

	This looks pretty normal at the moment.  You do not have fat necrosis.  The yellow  parts a re small areas of fat and dermis poking through the wound that have dried out and will heal normally with a little time.  The wound does not look infected at the moment.

	All the best

	Stephen Salerno

18 days Post Tummy Tuck, Yellow Spots Along Incision? (photo)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Male Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

18 days Post Tummy Tuck, Yellow Spots Along Incision? (photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Male Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.