How do I clean my Tummy Tuck incision? (photo)

Question

Hello:) I am two weeks post op from a full TT & lipo of the flanks. I've been cleaning my incision with alcohol and applying Bacitracin ointment covered with guaze. My doctor didn't give me any instructions on how to clean the site. My question is: is this a good way to clean my surgical site 2 weeks post op? If not, what do you recommend? I've attached some pics. Also, my before & afters. All suggestions welcomed! Thank you:)

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank for your question!Wash your hands prior to touching your incisions. Use a liquid antibiotic soap. Dry it with a soft towel. Apply a triple antibiotic ointment.Don't use bar soap or sponges. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or plastic band aids on your wound.If you have more concerns, ask them to your plastic surgeon. He/she will be able to tell you differents products to clean the incision and how to do it.Have a nice day!

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest that you use regular soap and water.  I would not use alcohol or antibiotic ointment.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

If you were my patient I would have you stop using ointment unless there is an open wound that needs to be taken care of. If all of the incisions are closed as they appear to be I would only have you shower like normal and use soap and water. Nothing else is necessary. Now sometimes you will have some mild drainage for a few weeks and I would suggest some gauze pads to absorb that. I would also have my patient in a surgical binder for at least 6 weeks to help with shape. At the end of the day you should do what your surgeon wants, but it sounds like you are not clear on that so maybe call and ask what you should be doing now that you are several weeks out. Some surgeons have their patients use silicone sheets on the scars at this point. It just depends on your surgeon.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

your incision is clean and dry. Since it is already well healed, silicone sheathing will help with reducing scarring. Also avoid sun exposure and keep tension off the wound by not stretching the skin.

Joel Aronowitz, MD · Answer

I recommen a complete scar care program that includes the use of prineo tape for wound closure at the time of surgery, embrace after the prineo comes off at 3-3 weeks and then Biocorneum silicone gel. For your case Embrace will help even now so I'd ask the surgeon about it or go to the embrace website.  Good luck Dr A

How do I clean my Tummy Tuck incision? (photo)

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Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Abdominoplasty scar

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How do I clean my Tummy Tuck incision? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Abdominoplasty scar

Answer: Abdominoplasty scar

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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.