Incision Opening and Draining 3 Weeks After Tumny Tuck

No drain tummy tucks are closed in a different fashion so that seromas don't develop. Unfortunately seromas can develop in TT with and without drains.  It just seems like the drain would've prevented this.  Do your dressing changes regularly and it'll completely heal and may leave a little scar so butterfly the skin together if at all possible.

Healing after #TummyTuck: DrainageThe first call you should make is to your PS, as he will have the best perspective as to what could be done to help the area heal better. There should be someone there to answer your question and schedule a live appointment or walk you through steps to take on your own.

What you are describing sounds like a small wound dehiscence due to a suture reaction or a small seroma. Either way, it should heal on its own without need for any surgery. While it may be annoying to have to look after this wound, you should be rest assured it will heal and barely leave any mark on your abdomen.

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD

It is not uncommon for localized fluid collections or necrotic fat to drain to the surface particularly in areas of compormised blood supply, specifically the central portions of the abdominoplasty incision. These generally heal within 3 weeks.  Continue follow up care monitored by your plastic surgeon. Antinbiotics are not always warranted but are commonly used.

It sounds like you had a small stitch abscess. If your doctor gave you antibiotics, he was probably concerned about a local infection. Follow his instructions for care.

A tummy tuck is a safe and effective procedure to contour the abdomen, create a tight waist, and remove extra skin, fat, and stretch marks. Patients undergoing this procedure should anticipate a significant recovery process. This may include swelling, some discomfort and irregularity during the initial phases. However, your abdominal incision opening up and draining fluid is a concern that you need to notify your plastic surgeon about immediately. Most likely what happened, is that you had a collection of fluid underneath your skin and your body decided to express it through the incision to eliminate this collection. At this time, call your plastic surgeon and they will likely ask you to come in right away. Your plastic surgeon will assess your tissue and determine if you have additional fluid in this area and recommend a plan for the management of these collections. Typically, if you do not have an infection at the site, the scar may heal without difficulty and may not affect your final result.

It sounds as though you formed a stitch abscess.   This is an infection related to the suture material.   Once the fluid has been drained and the problematic suture removed, it should heal very quickly.    This is not uncommon and should not greatly affect the scar longterm.

It sounds like it is a small wound dehiscence, most likely due to reaction to sutures.  As long as you don't have a continued drainage or erythema or systemic reactions, the wound will heal with a local care. It should not compromise your overall cosmetic result.  Be patient, it will get better.

it is not uncommon to have small open wounds after abdominoplasty and should not effect the overall result.  Local wound care and observation is necessary and rest easy that the scar should not be more prevelant.

Regarding: "Incision Opening and Draining 3 Weeks After Tumny Tuck
I had full TT on 12/28/10. Very happy with results so far, except at 2 1/2 wks. post op noticed small (smaller than quater)area at incision line at groin that was red puffy and slightly swollen. Visit to PS, where he said it wasn't seroma or infectio,but reaction to the sutures dissolving.Needle aspiration produced bloody fluid. Since,same area has opened spontaneously and drained red/orange fluid. No strong odor.PS prescribed Keflex as precaution.Quilting sutures used no drains.Is this normal?"

Your body is either getting rid of a small fluid collection or of a stitch it did not like. Once the stitch is removed and the fluid drains out the wound should heal completely. Continue to follow weekly or so with your surgeon.

Dr. Peter Aldea