Help! How to get my tummy tuck incision to heal faster? (Photo)

Question

I am now 3 weeks post op from a full tummy tuck and back/flank lipo, I was healing fine until about a week ago when I got extra swollen, had seroma, and my incision split open. My PS drained me 2 days ago, put me back on antibiotics and has me on a twice a day wet to dry dressing cleaning regimen using a saline solution I got from the pharmacy. I also eat very healthy low sodium diet and have been taking it as easy as I can.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears your plastic surgeon keeping the area clean and moist with saline is doing an excellent job of wound healing.  Also, the antibiotics you are on should decrease the chance of bacterial contamination of these open areas until they can heal.  That being said, if you were my patient, I would add in a topical antibiotic to again decrease the bacterial count specifically at the point where you want the wound healing.  Very often, packing these small wounds with Iodoform gauze will also speed wound healing.  The gauze itself allows tissue to heal at the base first, then close the wound.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Occaisionally small areas may open after surgery. Usually they are very minor and will heal quickly with proper care. There are many different ways to encourage healing so you should follow your surgeon's advice. In general though you want to keep the area clean, and apply an occlussive dressing which keeps your body's healing factors inside where they need to work. Do not let it stay open to the air where it will dry out and take longer for it to heal. good luck.

Michael B. Tantillo, MD · Answer

It certainly seems as though your plastic surgeon is taking very good care of you. I would suggest that you continue to follow your surgeon's advice.  Saline wet to dry dressing changes are a time proven effective dressing.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I'm sorry that you're incision opened up after your tummy tuck.  Based on your photograph I would agree with your plastic surgeon the wet-to-dry dressings of the best method to speed healing.  The what dry dressings will debride or remove dead tissue and allow the underlying tissue to develop healthy blood supply and to grow new skin.

Help! How to get my tummy tuck incision to heal faster? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Wet-to-dry dressings are excellent method to speed healing of tummy tuck incision

Answer: Wet-to-dry dressings are excellent method to speed healing of tummy tuck incision

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Help! How to get my tummy tuck incision to heal faster? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Wet-to-dry dressings are excellent method to speed healing of tummy tuck incision

Answer: Wet-to-dry dressings are excellent method to speed healing of tummy tuck incision

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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.