6 Weeks Post Op - Healing Normally? (photo)

Question

At 5 Weeks post op I submitted some pics. Now I am 6 weeks the scabs have fallen off and now there's a mild bad smell coming from the area. My doctor says the same thing: "Keep clean and dry. It will heal." Just looking for a bit more inputs as to whether or not I am still ok and if I can do anything more to speed up the healing process. Thanks in advance. I would do the surgery again. Love the new me! But need some healing advice. (Full TT with Lipo and Breast Reduction for mom makeover.)

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

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.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

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!

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Hi, Unfortunately your incision has come apart a little.  the underlying tissue should be cleaned up a little bit by the surgeon.  Everything that doesn't bleed is what I usually clean up if I have a dehiscence.  That cleaning will help with the smell.  I recommend a wet to dry dressing regimen after the surgeon removes the tissue that doesn't bleed.  Best wishes!!

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

You are experiencing problems with healing of your tummy tuck incision, which can happen despite your surgeon doing everything right.  I agree with the advice that you have been given, that the wound will heal with time.  After the wound has closed up, a revision of the scar can be done and you will have a minimal scar in this area.

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Answer: Mommy Makeover - post op healing

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6 Weeks Post Op - Healing Normally? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Mommy Makeover - post op healing

Answer: Mommy Makeover - post op healing

Answer: Your healing problems will get better with time

Answer: Your healing problems will get better with time

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