2 holes on incision 4 months post op that won't heal. Why? PS doesn't think its infected. Holes been there 2 months (Photo)

Question

I have tried everything to get these holes on my hip to close. Did a round of antibiotics, kept it moist with honey, oil, ointment, Vaseline, etc.... Let it scab. Kept it covered. Nothing will work. Non smoker, 38 yr old, fit, no health issues. It has been open for 2 mos and I am so sick of it. Been to see ps almost weekly and not helping. I don't see a stitch. Help! No matter what I try, when I take a shower and the ointment or scab is gone, the holes are still there. Very superficial.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Probable any kind of foreigh body it trying to find the way out through the skin, this foreign body must be pulled out and the holes will close.

Paul Silverstein, MD (retired) · Answer

You may have a "sterile"  infection due to your body trying to spit out a foreign object deep in the wound, usually a suture.  If your surgeon removes the foreign body and puts a suture in the skin, it i will heal.  I assume he has cultured it to make sure there is no bacerial infection.

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The first photo shows a cellulitis with possible abscess. The second shows resolution of the infection. The 2 holes have granulation tissue (proud flesh) that can initially be treated with application of silver nitrate to burn it away. If this doesn't work then excision of these wounds will take care of them.Peter Fisher M.D.

Steven G. Harris, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

You don't say what the surgery was but I will guess: tummy tuck. The most common cause of this is foreign material (suture) in the wound which the body wants out. The body "feels" that if it closes the wound, it will have no chance of pushing out the sutures, so it leaves the wound open. Usually, we use dissolving sutures in this area, but they usually are gone by 3 months. If this is permanent suture, re-excision, suture removal and re-closure is the only choice. If there are only absorbable sutures present, waiting a little longer might make sense. I favor a quick, local procedure now and be done. There may be no charge for this (if done by your doc) as it is a complication of the first procedure and would take very little time. Good luck!

2 holes on incision 4 months post op that won't heal. Why? PS doesn't think its infected. Holes been there 2 months (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Re-excision best at this point

Answer: Re-excision best at this point

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

2 holes on incision 4 months post op that won't heal. Why? PS doesn't think its infected. Holes been there 2 months (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Re-excision best at this point

Answer: Re-excision best at this point

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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