Tummy Tuck Wound issues 4 months post op - Main wound = 6cm x 1cm opening - 2 sutures removed last week. (Photo)

Question

Do i have skin necrosis? The wound care I am receiving is Inadine on the wound and plasters? How long after suture removal may the wound go back to normal? Minor fresh blood appearnace is present. Unfortunately the surgery was performed in another country as I live on a small island, Guernsey (UK) so not a simple trip to see the surgeon. Non smoker / drinker / eat well and excercise

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced. I do not see any sign of skin/tissue necrosis.  On the contrary, the wound seems clean and is "granulating". Generally speaking, incision line separation and/or wound healing problems may occur after tummy tuck (or any other type of plastic surgical procedure).  Based on the appearance of the wounds currently, I would anticipate that you will go on to heal within the next few weeks.  Generally,  patients do well but may require scar revision surgery down the line.I would suggest that you continue to follow-up with your local physicians and continue to be patient  through the process.Best wishes.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us. It is not normal that four months after TT the scar is opened. This may be due to several factors, and we have to determine the cause to apply a suitable treatmen. I recommend getting a wound culture and a CBC to discard any infectious process.The wound care are very important, as well as hyper protein diet rich in vitamin C.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

It appears that after 4 months you had some significant wound healing issues. At this point you have an open wound with what we call granulation tissue attempting to close the wound. I recommend that you see a plastic surgeon for re-excision and closure of the area.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Robert Sleightholm, MD · Answer

The photo does not show necrosis ( early the skin is black, later there is a hole with loss of tissue).  The photo shows hypertrophic granulation tissue (or proud flesh).  This is required for wound healing.  The granulation tissue is higher than the skin edges.  Generally the tissue is cauterized with silver nitrate to shrink the tissue below the skin surface to allow epithelialization.  Inadine dressings are absorbant and is a good choice of dressing, however I believe healing will be faster it the tissue is decreased.  Assuming that there are no further sutures no surgical intervention is necessary.

Thomas Guillot, MD (retired) · Answer

This happens sometimes in abdominoplasties.  It will require some local wound care and follow up with a physician. It may need a scar revision later.  This delay in healing  should rectify itself in a few weeks. Be patient.

Tummy Tuck Wound issues 4 months post op - Main wound = 6cm x 1cm opening - 2 sutures removed last week. (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Delayed wound healing post abdominoplasty.

Answer: Delayed wound healing post abdominoplasty.

Answer: Tummy Tuck Wound issues 4 months post op - Main wound = 6cm x 1cm opening - 2 sutures removed last week.

Answer: Tummy Tuck Wound issues 4 months post op - Main wound = 6cm x 1cm opening - 2 sutures removed last week.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Tummy Tuck Wound issues 4 months post op - Main wound = 6cm x 1cm opening - 2 sutures removed last week. (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Delayed wound healing post abdominoplasty.

Answer: Delayed wound healing post abdominoplasty.

Answer: Tummy Tuck Wound issues 4 months post op - Main wound = 6cm x 1cm opening - 2 sutures removed last week.

Answer: Tummy Tuck Wound issues 4 months post op - Main wound = 6cm x 1cm opening - 2 sutures removed last week.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.