6 Weeks Post Op - Healing Normally? (photo)

                Your
pictures suggest wound separation following abdominoplasty surgery. Under these
circumstances, it’s not unusual for secondary infection to develop as well.

                This
complication can be seen following abdominoplasty surgery and occurs for a
variety of reasons. It’s often related to poor blood supply to the skin flaps,
excess tension on the wound closure, fluid collections, primary infections and
patient noncompliance. Each of these factors can significantly increase the
potential for this type of problem. Once separation occurs, it’s not unusual to
develop secondary wound infections.

                Once
this type of problem has developed aggressive local wound care is indicated.
This may require surgical debridement and dressing changes. In some cases, a
VAC suction system may be indicated as well. If infection is present,
antibiotics may also be necessary.

                With
appropriate local wound care, this type of wound should heal without
difficulty. Unfortunately, this wound healing might take several months to
occur and a touch up scar revision may be necessary as well.

                It’s
important that you maintain close contact with your plastic surgeon. Your
plastic surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses
your concerns.

    Wound separation after tummy tuck can happen, but any concern for dead tissue should be evaluated and possibly debrided.  Close followup is mandatory to monitor for infection.

Wound breakdown after a tummy tuck is one of the more common surgical complications. It is more common  with smokers or diabetics. Any smell is colonization of bacteria on dead tissue and requires debridement with surgery or dressing changes. Eat extra protein and calories and see your doctor for further advice. Good Luck!