Yellow scab above tummy tuck incision, does the color look normal? (Photos)

Question

Hello I am 16 days PO dull tummy tuck. I had an area above my incision that was a dark scab and it fell off. Now it looks yellow/white colored. No pus or drainage. Is this a normal color? I covered back up with the tape given by PS. Thanks

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Yes, this happens often since the tummy tuck incision is a big incision. Just keep the area clean and dry and as always, look out for any signs of infection, including foul odor, redness, tenderness, fever, and/or drainage. If you are still worried, best to call your operating surgeon so you can be seen and properly evaluated in person.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and excellent pictures, scab came off a small wound. These small areas are common and generally heal well, discuss your concern with your plastic surgeon, good luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. It appears that you have a small separation of your incision line that should heal well with conservative management.  It will take a few weeks but inform your surgeon, they will offer you the best advice.  Hope this helps.

Pankaj Tiwari, MD · Answer

Yes.  This is normal after a tummy tuck.  It looks like you will have a nice result.  Congratulations!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It looks like you have some delayed healing and it appears to be very minor.  Local wound care or just leaving it alone will probably do the trick. Best to review with your doc.

Johnny Chung, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photo, it appears you have a suture that may be working it's way out. We call it spitting a suture. I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon so he can evaluate the area. But this will likely heal on its own. Best of luck with your recovery .

Eric Fynn-Thompson, MD · Answer

This is not an uncommon occurrence with tummy tuck procedures that patients will have an area of delayed healing at the incision line. Just keep it clean with soap and water washing, a light ointment and dressing as needed for the drainage. It should go on to heal well and likely not require any further scar treatment. Monitor the area for increased redness, pain which may be signs of infection. If you are further concerned, contact your Plastic surgeon.

Richard Bloom, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

Hi there and thanks for posting,It looks to be an area of slow wound healing. Your PS looks to have used some longer lasting dissolving sutures - there is a slight blue colour in the wound above the area you are concerned about.Probably there was a knot in the area of concern and this can sometimes take longer to settle down.I would expect it all to go on and heal without incident. The very worst case may be that you will need a simple scar revision down the track. But probably unlikely.All seems to be going well.Richard

Yellow scab above tummy tuck incision, does the color look normal? (Photos)

Answers (8)