My wound opened rather large. I have this HORRIFIC odor and its continuous leakage, why? What is this?

Question

Im literally a walking trash can. The odor from the open wound is so strong and i leak. Im changing gauze padding and underwear 3 times aday. My PS preSCRIBED me Dankin solution but it barely works. Help

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear Triniti1,I am sorry to hear your have having healing issues! Dakins solution contains bleach, which will help to kill the bacteria causing the odor you smell. Changing the dressing 1 to 2 times a day is sufficient. If you are concerned about your care, make sure you verbalize this with your operating surgeon, and request to be seen in person. Do you know if you had the wound cultured? Are you taking oral antibiotics? Culturing the wound is a way to find out what bacteria is growing, so the correct and effective antibiotic can be prescribed to you. Again, speak with your surgeon if you have concerns or questions regarding your care. I wish you the best of luck with your healing.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience and I am sorry to hear of your open wound.  Unfortunately it sounds as if you had some tissue necrosis take place and your body is attempting to heal itself from the inside-out.  Unfortunately this takes a fair amount of time and may require additional surgery to remove the devitalized skin.  I would talk to your surgeon as they should be helping manage your wounds.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello, I am sorry you are going through this.  At this point you need to contact your surgeon and make them aware you are not getting better with the Dakin's solution.  This needs to be seen in person and handled correctly.  Best of luck!

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

So sorry about your complication. I would make sure that the wound is debrided or cleaned and start a broad spectrum antibiotic and possibly take cultures.  Dakins solution should really help disinfect the open wound so if it is not I would see your plastic surgeon again.

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

I am sorry to hear about your healing problems.  If you feel that your local wound care is ineffective then I would recommend that you revisit with your plastic surgeon.  It is possible that another method of wound care would be more appropriate at this time.  Best wishes

My wound opened rather large. I have this HORRIFIC odor and its continuous leakage, why? What is this?

Answers (9)

Answer: Wound infection

Answer: Wound infection

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Answer: Wound After Abdominoplasty

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My wound opened rather large. I have this HORRIFIC odor and its continuous leakage, why? What is this?

Answers (9)

Answer: Wound infection

Answer: Wound infection

Answer: Wound After Abdominoplasty

Answer: Wound After Abdominoplasty

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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.