At what week post-op are you usually "in the clear" without having to worry about wound reopening?

Question

I understand complications can happen at anytime but specifically with wound reopening - when do you advise your patients that the risk of the wound reopening is generally over? I haven't had my surgery yet but I've read a few posts where wounds reopen months later and some have to get wound care? This would be pretty scary to me if it was months down the road at a point when I thought everything was fine? Thank you!

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

I would say 4-6 weeks wounds are generally completely healed. Wearing a good compression garment will help minimize swelling, which in returns allows wounds to heal quicker. Surgeons give different post care instructions; therefore you will want to follow his/her individual post care instructions for best results. Best of luck!

Cem Berkay Sinaci, MD · Answer

Hello, there is no certain timing for this but usually when I see my patients at the end of the first week I feel comfortable about this only IF the blood circulation is well. When the patients have some circulation problems they may have wound issues even 2-3 weeks after. But If you are worried about the wound re-opening months later, probably that will not require an aggressive attempt and will heal spontaneously. Most often suture reactions cause this. Regards.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding wound healing after surgery. As you mentioned, wound reopening can happen at any time, but generally, after the first few weeks, the risk of wound reopening decreases significantly. In most cases, the initial healing process takes about 2-3 weeks. During this time, the incision site is vulnerable and requires special care to ensure proper healing.

After this period, patients are generally able to resume normal activities and are considered to be "in the clear" without having to worry about wound reopening. However, it is important to note that every patient is different and healing times may vary based on several factors such as age, overall health, and the extent of the surgery.

It is also important to note that patients should continue to monitor their incision site for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or drainage. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to contact your surgeon immediately.

In conclusion, while there is no definitive timeline for when the risk of wound reopening ends, most patients are considered to be "in the clear" after the initial healing process of 2-3 weeks. However, it is important to continue monitoring the incision site for any signs of complications.

Thank you again for your question, and I wish you luck with your upcoming surgery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

So the human body heals over the course of about 6 weeks.  The strength is simply not there until about week 3-4 so 6 weeks is a good number to keep in mind.  The immature scar that is present at 6 weeks then rearranges to a mature scar over the course of a year- that's why tape therapy to take tension of the scar and protection from sunlight are important for that first year.  I hope that helps!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Wounds reopening months after surgery is rare.  Typically at six weeks post op patients are returning to regular activities without restrictions.  New complications after this time are uncommon.

At what week post-op are you usually "in the clear" without having to worry about wound reopening?

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At what week post-op are you usually "in the clear" without having to worry about wound reopening?

Answers (10)

Answer: Tummy Tuck - healing time

Answer: Tummy Tuck - healing time

Answer: Recovery

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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.