Small opening on tummy tuck incision. Should I put a steri strip on it or let it open? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck and Lipo 4 weeks ago and today the scab fell off and left this small opening. I'm wondering if I should put a steri strip on it or let it open. Should I wear my compression garment? Should I worry about infection at this point?

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, a common reason for a small opening along the incision 4 weeks after surgery, is a suture coming to the surface and causing local inflammation, then ultimately falling out (called a suture abscess).  This can be treated with a topical antibiotic and bandage until it heals.  I would recommend contacting your plastic surgeon to confirm the diagnosis and treatment.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I agree, this will probably close up on its own if you keep it clean and dry. It would be best to have your Plastic Surgeon advise you though.All the best

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and excellent picture.  I think the scab represented a small suture that was spitting, there is no sign of infection which is good.  If you were my patient I would recommend you keep it clean, covered with a bandaid and some neosporin if you do not have sensitivity to either bandaids or neosporin.  Please discuss with your plastic surgeon and best of luck.

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

Thank you for your pictures.  I would allow this to heal spontaneously.  Good local wound care will minimize the risk of infection.  You need to see your plastic surgeon to get definitive instructions on wound care.

Ryan T. M. Mitchell, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a very common location
for a wound to slightly open in your procedure. I would recommend having
someone in your Plastic Surgeon's office evaluate the wound to make sure it is nothing
serious. However, it is likely just a superficial wound dehiscence and should
heal well with conservative measures.Best of Luck!

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

It doesn't hurt to check with your PS office and have a nurse look at it.  It may be what we call a spitting suture, which is a dissolvable deeper stitch that wants to make its way to the surface, which is common.  It presents it self as a small pimple or ingrown hair.  Just put a dry gauze over it , not a steri strip until you have it checked out.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would not put steristrips at this moment. You can put small clean loose dressing to cover it and call your PS to discuss this and follow up with him/her.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi yussaraI would not cover this with an occlusive dressing such as a steristrip.  I would suggest that you see your doctor so that he can determine if this has a dissolving type suture that is causing the problem, and therefore, what the best treatment will be for you.With proper treatment, this should heal well in a few weeks with an excellent scar.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced. These types of superficial separations or wounds can occur, and sometimes may “look worse, before it looks better”. Keep the area clean/covered with a sterile dressing; no need to steri strip it.In my opinion, the most important “factor” involved with successful treatment of the complication will be close follow-up with your plastic surgeon. He/she will be in the best position to monitor situation carefully. Infections should be ruled out and “foreign bodies” such as sutures that may prevent quick healing may be removed. The open wound should go on to heal over the course of the next several weeks, hopefully without long-term sequelae. Concentrate on a well-balanced ( good protein source) diet. Best wishes.

Small opening on tummy tuck incision. Should I put a steri strip on it or let it open? (Photo)

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