Incision is Splitting in Center and Has a Yellow Pus Coming out - is This Normal?

Question

I am 3 weeks post tummy tuck and my incision steri strips fell off in the center. The incision is splitting about a quarter of an inch open in the center and there is yellow pus oozing from the center. Is this normal? Will it close back up or do I need it re-sutured?

Peter Hyans, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern.  This is not an uncommon complication after a tummy tuck.  This probably represents an area of delayed healing.  I would recommend you follow up with your surgeon.  This is usually treated just with some local wound care and the area should heal up in a few weeks.  If there is any surrounding redness or warmth in the skin this may be more indicative of an infection.  Hopefully this was helpful.Best of luck.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients to have areas of superficial
wound breakdown following abdominoplasty surgery. These problems occur for a variety of reasons
including infection, poor blood supply and tension on the closure.It’s
not unusual for areas of separation to be covered with scabs and crusting known
as eschar.It’s normal for these scabs
to slowly lift off the wound and reveal a layer of granulation tissue.Once this has occurred, new skin grows over
the surface and the wound edges pull themselves together.In the
vast majority of cases, these wounds heal nicely, but rarely scar revision may
be necessary.During the healing process,
it’s important to perform dressing changes.This optimizes wound healing and minimizes the potential for infection.It’s
important to maintain close contact with your plastic surgeon.Your surgeon should be able to monitor your
progress and take appropriate steps to optimize your wound healing.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Some oozing can occur at this time if the incision hasn’t closed properly, but it  is not routine and should be checked out to make sure it’s not indication of a bigger problem. At this time, infection is a primary concern so please make sure to follow proper wound care practices until you can see your surgeon (which you should do as soon as you can).

Leo Lapuerta, MD · Answer

First, I would contact your plastic surgeon for an appointment to have him/her examine the wound. It is very common to have an open area in the middle of your abdomen after surgery. You do want to make sure that it is not infected. Should no infection be present, then proper wound care should be discussed between you and your plastic surgeon.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This is very common.  That area has the most tension and sometimes spreads or opens.  sometimes a suture will "spit" causing a opening.  This will heal just fine.  Your doctor should be aware.

Elizabeth Slass Lee, MD · Answer

It is quite common for there to be a small area of a long incision that separates a bit before healing.  However, this must be evaluated in person by your plastic surgeon. Contact him or her ASAP.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,

	 

	Wound complications are beyond online "general advice" boundaries. Get to your surgeon's office ASAP for proper care.

	 

	Best Regards,

	 

	John Di Saia MD

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I would consult your surgeon to rule out any infections. Signs of infection may include fever, chills, abnormal swelling, or redness around the incision. It is important that you follow all post-op instructions to avoid any complications. It is common for patients to experience superficial openings, which will heal over time. It is difficult to determine whether you would need re-suturing without current photos. Often these openings will heal with dressing changes. Scar revision may be helpful in the future to improve tge appearance of the scar.

	On this site, I do my best to give advice without a physical examination but I want you to know that a physical examination by a board certified physician is always the best way to get the most accurate information.

Johan E. Brahme, MD · Answer

Wound separation after a tummy tuck, while not an unusual occurrence, is usually limited and will heal with some local wound care. Nevertheless you should see your plastic surgeon for advice on how to care for the open wound. It is rare that we need to do either a re-closure or a scar revision for these minor setbacks, the abdominal incision usually heals wonderfully, given enough time. You should keep lines of communication open with your surgeon and visit him or her frequently until the open area has healed. Good luck

Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question.

	You may be experiencing a small dehiscense along the midline of your incision.  This occurence is not completely uncommon, but with proper care should heal in due time. I recommend you follow up with your physician for an evaluation and managment plan.

	Best of luck,

	Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Incision is Splitting in Center and Has a Yellow Pus Coming out - is This Normal?

Answers (18)