Should I cover the opening of splitting stitches or should I cover with non-adherent pad? (Photo)

Dear secret1524,this type of wound is not uncommon after tummy tuck. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your pictures and questions. It does appear like you have a small open wound developing. Generally speaking, a moist, clean, wound healing environment is best. I usually recommend an antibiotic ointment and a bandage of some kind. However, you would be best off to be seen by your board certified plastic surgeon for an examination and recommendations regarding wound care.Best of luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Wound care questions?Thank you very much for posting this question. I don’t believe that online is the most appropriate place for you to get advice on your wound. I strongly suggest that you reach out to your plastic surgeon, be seen and evaluated in person, and then get instructions on how to best care for your wound depending on the findings during the physical examination! Wounds like this will heal and I strongly suggest that you follow the directions from your doctor to get the best outcome.

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  It appears that this may have been the result of a suture and should improve spontaneously with local wound care.  I would recommend keeping the area covered with an emollient like Aquaphor and clean gauze until the skin fully heals.  Talk to your surgeon as they should provide you with the best advice based on your specific healing issue.  Hope this helps.

Dear Secret1524,
You definitely should contact your PS for appropriate wound care.  Until then, at minimum... keep it covered up with clean bandages.  Do not take a bath or go swimming.  Hope this helps and good luck!  

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your provided photos, you appear to have a small opening and scab formation from your procedure. Because your procedure was completed less than a month ago, your incision is still very much in the healing process and will require more time to completely seal. In general, cleaning your wound with an antibiotic ointment and covering it with a bandage is good advice for small wounds. However, it would be best for you to follow the advice and recommendation of your plastic surgeon.


If you have any other questions or if the condition of your wound begins to worsen, schedule an in-person evaluation with your plastic surgeon. Hope this helps!Michael Eisemann M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Houston, Texas

Thanks for writing,Open wounds need to be clean, they may require debridment if necessary and topical dressings to stimulate healing. There is a saying in surgery that even my kids know, and that is, ‘the solution to pollution (bacteria) is dilution (soap and water). Then, really any light topical ointment with gauze changed frequently works well. Check with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and follow his / her instruction carefully and completely. You will heal nicely and do well. Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSCertified: American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember: American Society for Aesthetics Plastic SurgeryMember: American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Thanks for including photos with your question! Cover the area with a clean gauze to prevent any 'catching', and consult your surgeon for their preference of topical coverage, no coverage with solutions, or if they would prefer something like Xeroform.Best of luck!

Best to be seen by your operative surgeon today. Local wound care usually improves the healing time but in person medical care best..

From looking at your photos your separation is minimal and keeping it clean will allow it to heal secondarily.