What is wrong with my tummy tuck incision? 5 weeks post op. (photos)

Question

I had a Tummy Tuck 11/15/17. The incision is firm and feels like it is healing normally everywhere except one spot (right middle pubic area). The skin is intact but very thin and peeling in this area. Under the skin instead of feeling firm like the rest of the incision, it is soft and there is an opening in the tissue directly under the thin skin. The opening seems to have gotten bigger overnight. It is approximately 1 inch long and 1/2 wide opening. It feels like the layer under the skin split.

Seth Jones, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is hard to tell without examining you. Firstly I would recommend visiting your plastic surgeon. This could be a number of things Things that come to mind are a stitch abscess, seroma, or sebaceous cyst.  Again visit with your plastic surgeon for direction on how to proceed.

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

See your surgeon to get a full assessment and make sure that there is nothing significant going on.  One of the most common wound healing issues is sutures that your body is supposed to breakdown that instead come to the surface.  It is a nuisance but not a major problem and unlikely to alter the final appearance.  In that setting I tell patients to wash with soap and water.  Applying a little polysporin can help.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi.  It looks like you could have a little infection around one of the internal sutures.  This can happen from time to time, but it is important to call your PS right away to get treatment with antibiotics, drainage or whatever he/she determines is best.  It shouldn't be serious but don't wait to call.  Good luck!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. It appears that you could have a small abscess or fluid collection that your plastic surgeon will need to examine and treat. I recommend that you see them in person.All the best

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and for posting photos. First off congrats on your surgery! Although the photos are definitely helpful, nothing can take the place of an in person evaluation. However, this can be a few things...it can be a small collection of fluid or blood both of which can usually easily be handled with draining the fluid and then adding pressure after words. This can also be an area where some of the fat has lost its blood supply and not survived. If its liquefied for any reason then it can also be drained but if it is hard then massage may help and in some cases it just has to be removed. The other possibility is a small infection. If there is ANY concern it may be infected or there may be some pus under the skin then you should contact and see your surgeon immediately so things don't get worse. I hope this helps!Ankur Mehta MD

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is either an ingrown hair or a suture infection. It needs immediate attention from your plastic surgeon. Go see them today! Good luck! Dr. Aldo

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, you may have some fluid built up from a suture spitting or a small wound, please see your plastic surgeon to discuss, good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nursenmom4,this type of wound healing problem 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, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

W. Tracy Hankins, MD · Answer

There may be something building up just beneath that area such as fluid or a small infection. See your plastic surgeon for an in person evaluation. Usually these can be treated in the office if they are small. 
Learn more about tummy tuck scars here:

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It look like a stitch abscess from irritation/infection  from the underlying suture. Please see your PS for evaluation.

What is wrong with my tummy tuck incision? 5 weeks post op. (photos)

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