Infection 5 weeks post tummy tuck. Getting worse with antibiotics. What can I do? (photos)

Question

I had a staph infection a couple weeks after surgery on my insidious line thats now cleared. I’ve been packing it and keeping it very clean. I’ll go ahead and mention that I am a RN...five days ago my upper stomach plus my belly button started to swell and turned bright red and was supper hot. I made an apt with my doc. He prescribed me an antibiotic and recultured my small wound (not currently my problem). That was yesterday. I’m now running a 101+ fever, and I overall feel horrible.

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Despite good intentions, online consultants will not be able to provide you (in any responsible fashion) with specific enough advise to be truly helpful. Given your concerns, you'll be best off seeking follow-up with your plastic surgeon, earlier that already scheduled if necessary, for in person evaluation.Best of luck!

Paul B. Mills, MD · Answer

When a tummy tuck is performed, a large area of tissue is undermined including around the belly button, above and below.  Though you have a small healing wound along the incision line, you may have a larger fluid collection higher on your tummy that has become infected.  In some cases, these are significant enough that antibiotics alone are not enough and surgical drainage may be needed.  Please contact your plastic surgeon if your symptoms are worsening.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear about your healing issues. If you have fever and redness like that you need to be seen today and may need some labs and possibly CT scan and IV antibiotics. I recommend you to see your PS for evaluation ASAP

Gregory J. Stagnone, MD (retired) · Answer

Definitely see your doctor. It is very rare to develop an infection inside, under the tt flap but it can happen. Your doctor can decide if a CT scan is indicated to be sure, or at least perhaps an ultrasound to see if there is a fluid collection there. As you know there are many resistant bacteria and it is possible that the common antibiotics used don't cover your infection. MRSA and gram negative bacteria are not likely to be covered by cephalosporins, the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for minor skin infections. (As you probably know, nurses are among the most common carriers of MRSA so discuss your concerns with your doctor without delay.)

Infection 5 weeks post tummy tuck. Getting worse with antibiotics. What can I do? (photos)

Answers (4)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

How long can a tummy tuck drain be in? 2 weeks post op.

10 weeks post op tummy tuck, feeling pain to the right of my belly button, is this normal?

1 week post TT + knees and inner thighs lipo: are the following normal?

29, no children, 100 lb weight loss 5 years ago. I want kids in 5-6 years. Interested in a tummy tuck. Advice? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS