Infected Incision 3 Weeks Post Op from Tummy Tuck. Should I Worry? (photo)

Your pictures suggest wound separation following
abdominoplasty surgery.Under these
circumstances, it’s not unusual for secondary infection to develop as well.This complication
can be seen following abdominoplasty surgery and occurs for a variety of
reasons.It’s often related to poor
blood supply to the skin flaps, excess tension on the wound closure, fluid
collections, primary infections and patient noncompliance.Each of these factors can significantly
increase the potential for this type of problem.This
type of wound separation is frequently seen in cigarette smokers.The nicotine in cigarette smoke causes
vasoconstriction in the small blood vessels that supply the skin flaps.This can result in the type of skin necrosis
demonstrated in your pictures.For this
reason, we request that patients stop smoking six weeks prior to surgery.In
addition, tight wound closures, fluid collections and inappropriate post-operative
activity levels can contribute to this problem.Most infections occur secondary to wound separations, but in some cases
infection may still be the primary event.Once
this type of problem has developed, aggressive local wound care is indicated.This may require surgical debridement and
dressing changes.In some cases, a VAC
suction system may be indicated as well.If infection is present, antibiotics may also be necessary.With
appropriate local wound care this type of wound should heal without
difficulty.Unfortunately, this wound
healing might take several months to occur and a touch up scar revision may be
necessary as well.It’s
important that you maintain close contact with your plastic surgeon.Your plastic surgeon should be able to
formulate a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.

Do not pinch or pick at the belly button scar where there appear to be infections. You can keep it clean on your own at home and hopefully allow the healing to continue successfully, but you can make an appointment with your PS for another week  that passes and the infection remains then you will want to go in to evaluate your recovery process in person.

Thanks for your question. You need to see your Plastic Surgeon today for his recommendation of your wounds.  If you are a smoker, you must discontinue all nicotine products. Best wishes on your healing and recovery.