Tummy tuck not healing as much as expected - is this normal after 6 months? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 6 months ago. I’ve had 3 infections.. my tummy tuck does not look like it’s healing as much as I would have expected. I still have these holes that you can squeeze white stuff out of … I don’t think think is normal after 6 months po

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Brave196071 from Evergreen Park. Thank you for your question regarding the healing of your tummy tuck incision.

The presence of white discharge from your tummy tuck incision six months post-operation is certainly concerning and not typical. It’s essential to determine the nature of this discharge, which could be related to an unresolved infection, a cyst, or a reaction to non-absorbable sutures, among other possibilities.

Infection: If it's an infection, treatment might include oral antibiotics or topical antibiotic cream, and possibly an antiseptic like Betadine to manage the area.
Cyst: A cyst might need to be surgically removed if it is causing ongoing problems.
Suture Reaction: If the issue stems from sutures that are being rejected by your body, those would need to be removed by your surgeon.
After addressing the underlying issue, to improve the appearance of your scar, you can use silicone gel or silicone scar sheets, which help to flatten and fade the scar over time. For persistent or problematic scars, options like surgical scar revision or treatments such as FRAXEL laser might be considered. These are typically done under local anesthesia if performed in a clinical setting.

It's crucial to have a thorough evaluation by your plastic surgeon to address these issues effectively and prevent any further complications. Good luck, and I hope this resolves soon for you.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Igor Burko, MD · Answer

Hello, my name is Igor Burko, and I am a Plastic Surgeon at SY Aesthetics in NYC. The history of repeat wound infections likely led to suboptimal healing as well as scar formation. It is best to follow-up with your plastic surgeon or seek the opinion of a trained plastic surgeon for their best recommendation. There are options to improve the appearance of scars that may be available to you.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Breathe 196071,

Thank you for your pictures. I'm sorry that you had to deal with this. If you still have drainage out of areas of your incision, this needs to be managed completely. That may require additional antibiotics and/or removal of those drainage areas surgically, and leaving them open to heal naturally. This may be the best option. The reason I say that is your scars are slightly wide, and in my opinion with the significant revision in the future to chief anesthetic result. Definitely visit with several board certified Plastic Surgeons to get your best treatment options.

Best wishes,

ESJ

#TruthAndTransformation.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

At this point in your recovery, there shouldn't be any fluid draining out of you, not to mention holes along your incision line. Please see your surgeon for any assessment.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's not typical to have three infections after a tummy tuck.  The small "holes" that you mentioned may be suture abscesses.  Your surgeon should be able to address them in the office.  Once the suture material is removed they tend to heal well with minimal home care.  It does appear your scars are hypertrophic.  They can be revised if desired about a year after surgery.

Tummy tuck not healing as much as expected - is this normal after 6 months? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: See your surgeon

Answer: See your surgeon

Answer: Healing

Answer: Healing

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Tummy tuck not healing as much as expected - is this normal after 6 months? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: See your surgeon

Answer: See your surgeon

Answer: Healing

Answer: Healing

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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.