Incision opening or just part of the scab falling off? (Photo)

Question

I'm 19days post op & so far everything has been great! I feel really good and I'm super happy with my stomach. Btw, I had full tt with muscle repair and lipo of the hips. This morning as I was changing my tape I noticed the part of my incision directly in the middle, it looks a little different. Should I be concerned?

David Tauber, MD · Answer

The quality
and speed of healing at the incision line is dependent on multiple factors
including the precision of the skin closure, tension across the incision,
infection, skin vascularity, and overall medical condition. In otherwise
healthy patients, small areas of scabbing often represent areas of skin height
mismatch resulting in exposed dermis (subsurface layer of the skin). Scabbing
can also represent localized areas of superficial skin loss due to tension or
infection. These small areas often heal with only local treatment. A detailed examination will help clarify the situation. Close
follow-up with the surgeon is essential.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Kudos to you for picking an obviously talented plastic surgeon.  The photograph you sent shows a well done belly button and a healing abdominoplasty incision with what appears to be scabs falling off.I see no signs of wound separation.  Of course, an in person exam would be useful but I wouldn't worry at this point.  See your plastic surgeon on your regularly scheduled visit.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Maybe better and more varied images might help us; anyhow your surgeon should be informed about this issue asap. He'll apply treatment, if any is necessary.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, you do seem to have had a scab fall off with a small wound.  This is common and should not affect the long term result.  Please discuss with your plastic surgeon, good luck.

Adam C. Augenstein, MD · Answer

It appears that you have just had a scab fall off. Post op healing is variable from patient to patient. It is not uncommon for small areas of skin to separate and promptly heal. Occasionally, incisions open due to the presence of fluid under the skin, infection, or excess tension on the incision. Be sure and follow up closely with your surgeon to make sure continued healing takes place. Good luck!

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Wow, your belly and belly button look great. It appears to be a small separation, could be from a scab, maybe a small suture is starting to come out. Regardless I would let your plastic surgeon take a look and resolve your concerns for you.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

appears as a slight skin dehiscence that needs to be cared for by your surgeon, sooner than later.......

Stephan Finical, MD · Answer

It looks like a scab is simply falling off, but your best course of action would be to have your surgeon examin it. This way you are reassured and your surgeon is up to date on your progress.

Greg Bancroft, MD, PhD · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck and your progress so far!
Of course the most important thing is maintaining good communication with your
surgeon if you have any concerns about your healing. Having said that, small
wound healing issues like your photo shows are a relatively common occurrence,
particularly in the center part of the tummy tuck incision where the skin is
typically under the most tension. Very superficial skin breakdown can occur and
this will fill in with a small scab while the body eventually heals the small
gap. With time like all scars they contract and fade and continue to improve. Outside
of that, if the surrounding skin became very warm and tender than this could be
concerning for either infection or a seroma (fluid collection under the skin)
causing wound breakdown. Obviously these symptoms cannot be seen in a
photograph, so if these are present, a visit with your surgeon or their staff
would be a good idea if you are still concerned.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck surgery; overall, it seems like you have done very well. Yes,  superficial incision line separation and/or wound healing problems may occur after tummy tuck (or any other type of plastic surgical procedure). Generally,  patients  with these types of separations do well,  without long-term negative sequelae. In other words, despite this incision line separation, you should go on to have a very nice outcome. I would suggest that you  continue close follow-up with your plastic surgeon who'll be your best resource for advice and treatment recommendations. In the meantime keep the area clean/covered with a sterile dressing. Best wishes.

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