Why does my Tummy Tuck incision keep opening 6 weeks post-op? (photo)

Dear JAndrade,I'm sorry that you are continuing to have delayed healing with your tummy tuck.  It is not common, but it does occur occasionally with tummy tucks.  Smoking is one thing that can delay wound healing, some medications also, but it's likely your plastic surgeon has already looked for any possible reason that you could have delayed healing.  It is likely nothing that you or your surgeon can do to prevent it now.  The same treatment as the center of your incision will be needed for this area now.  I know it is difficult to continue to deal with the wounds, but in the end you will likely have a nice result.  Hope this helps and best of luck. 

Typically I wait at least 3 months after surgery before revising.  Sometimes waiting is not an option, but I find by 3 months scars and tissue has softened.  The blood supply is better.  Performing procedures which require more tension seems easier.  I also try to encourage patients to optimize nutrition and supplement any deficiency. Sometimes this requires them to see a nutritionist or dietician (especially the bariatric surgery patients).Of course, you should make sure your plastic surgeon is board certified by ABPS.

Thank you very much for your enquiry. It may
well be that your body is reacting to the stitches used in the tummy tuck and I
think it would be worthwhile going back to see your surgeon to discuss the
best way forward as they may be able to remove stitches or apply a dressing
which will speed up the recovery of the area.
I hope the area heals in the near future and
wish you the best of luck with this.

Thank you for your question. I am sorry that you have had a frustrating postoperative course. There are many things that could be affecting your ability to heal such as smoking, your nutrtion, medications, infection, etc. I would try and follow your plastic surgeon's instructions on wound care and lifting restrictions. It will take about a year after all of your wounds heal to know what the scar will look like.  Good luck

Hi JAndredeYou are having wound healing problems/slow healing.  Sadly, this is a problem that may occur with this large and complex operation.  It doesn't mean that you or your surgeon did anything wrong, or that it can be predicted or even always prevented.It looks like you have more necrotic tissue that needs to be addressed (different ways to do this).  It will take time and patience to heal, but should be fine over time.You should not smoke or be around second hand smoke.  Eat well.  Follow doctors orders and keep in frequent contact with him/her.Best to you , and hang in there.sek