Tummy Tuck Incision Opening Up Holes 8 Weeks Post Op? (photo)

Question

Two of the holes opened up around 3 weeks post op and have slowly been healing but last week at 8 weeks post op another opened up. The skin over it was so thin and the PS pushed on it and blood came squirting out. Now I have a new hole to deal with? Please tell me these will heal up. I feel like I made a mistake having this surgery! These holes are all on the right side of my incision area. The left of my incision area seems to look perfect. I don't get why this has happened to me.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complication you are experiencing. These types of complications can be quite distressing to patients; unfortunately, sometimes the wounds do look worse before they begin to look better.Close follow up with your plastic surgeon will be in your best interests; sometimes removal of a exposed suture and/or removal of any unhealthy tissue will expedite healing. In my opinion, a "wound care specialist" referral is not necessary assuming you are under the care of a well experience board-certified plastic surgeon.Wound care regimens will differ from one plastic surgeon to another. Generally, this will involve application of some type of sterile dressing ( in my practice I use a non-stick dressing covered by a sterile dressing). You should have peace of mind that these types of wound healing problems generally go on to heal over the course of the next several weeks, often without long-term sequelae. Also important to concentrate on a healthy diet, including good protein source. Sometimes (depending on the width of the open wound and the appearance of the scar in the longer term), scar revision surgery may be helpful down the line. Best wishes.

Steven H. Wiener, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your problem. It appears that you are having a reaction to your sutures. Your body is trying to "spit the sutures", which is a foreign body.  Options include local wound care and antibiotic ointment, or your surgeon can excise the suture knots, and place skin sutures and no buried sutures. This does happen in tummy tucks as the deeper sutures begin to dissolve. Follow-up with your plastic surgeon to address this issue.

Agustina Hilario Duran, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. It’s concerning to have holes reopening at 8 weeks post-op, but it can happen due to various factors like poor circulation or tension on the incision. These holes should heal, though it might take longer than expected. Keeping the area clean, following your surgeon's wound care instructions, and avoiding strain is essential.
Make sure to stay in close contact with your plastic surgeon. They may suggest wound treatments or other options to help with healing. If infection or delayed healing is suspected, further evaluation may be necessary.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. Wound breakdown after tummy tuck can be from a variety of reasons, including excessive tension on the incision from taking too much skin, poor blood supply from aggressive liposuction, and smoking among others. I would closely follow with your surgeon. These wounds should heal spontaneously with local wound care. Once everything has healed, then a revision surgery can be done in a delayed fashion to correct the widened scar. I would keep the area clean and avoid any strenuous activity/lifting and smoking (if you are a smoker). Your surgeon is the best person to talk to.
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The time and the appearance of the photograph would make me think that suture material deep to the skin is making its way to the surface. This should heal with adequate wound toilet.

Tummy Tuck Incision Opening Up Holes 8 Weeks Post Op? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Tummy Tuck wound breakdown

Answer: Tummy Tuck wound breakdown

Answer: Small holes along the incision are probably necessitating sutures.

Answer: Small holes along the incision are probably necessitating sutures.

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Tummy Tuck Incision Opening Up Holes 8 Weeks Post Op? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Tummy Tuck wound breakdown

Answer: Tummy Tuck wound breakdown

Answer: Small holes along the incision are probably necessitating sutures.

Answer: Small holes along the incision are probably necessitating sutures.

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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.