Hole on my tummy tuck line won't heal, what can I do? (photo)

Question

I have a hole on my tummy tuck line that won't close. It will scab over but then the scab falls off and I'm back to square one again. I've also tried covering it with ointment and a bandage but it doesn't seem to get better. What should I do?

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon should be able to give you advice on how best to care for this wound. They need to examine the wound to determine the reason its not healing. Wounds like this can take quite a while to heal and if there is something that is preventing it from healing then this factor needs to be addressed. The wound should be clean, without any foreign bodies or debri, you should not be smoking and any non living tissue needs to be cleared. I find wet to moist dressing changes with normal saline is a very good and simple way to heal wounds. But as stated before, you should follow the directions of your plastic surgeon.

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and pic.   It appears that you may have a spitting suture which is not uncommon with this type of procedure.  Please see your plastic surgeon to see if by chance the suture can be seen and removed.   best of luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. When wounds pursue the path you describe it is most likely due to some material at the base of the wound, such as a stitch.  I would reach out to your surgeon for an in-person evaluation and removal of any foreign body.  Hope this helps.

Johnny Chung, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.The wound looks superficial and clean. Local wound care  should allow this to heal over several weeks. I recommend speaking to your plastic surgeon on what he recommends. Best of luck with your recovery.

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

From the photo provided it looks like a spitting suture that has not come to the surface yet and the would keeps opening because of that. I would see your surgeon and see what the best recommendation would be. You may have to have a small procedure to remove the suture and be closed. Good luck!

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It looks clean and granulating. If it is a recurrent issue there may underlying suture irritating it. Please see your PS for evaluation.

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It looks nice and clean. Three possible causes. Too much granulation tissue. Silver nitrate will help that. Underlying irritating stitch. Probably needs to be removed. A larger defect below that you cannot see. Could require excision and closure which may well be the best idea anyway. Definitely check in with your plastic surgeon.Peter Fisher M.D

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Hole on my tummy tuck line won't heal, what can I do? (photo)

Answers (7)

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