Is it normal that you heal from inside out from an open incision? (Photo)

Question

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

Wound complications such as separation, skin or fat necrosis, and infection can develop after surgery. Care involves debriding any dead tissue, draining any infected fluid and allowing the wound to heal from the inside out. Depending on the size of the wound, this can take a few weeks to several months.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complication you are experiencing. Separation of the incision line is a known complication after tummy tuck surgery. Close follow up with your plastic surgeon will be in your best interests; sometimes removal of a exposed suture and/or removal of any unhealthy tissue will expedite healing. Otherwise, wound care regimens will differ from one plastic surgeon to another. Generally, this will involve application of some type of sterile dressing  (in my practice I use a non-stick dressing covered by a sterile dressing). You should have peace of mind that (despite the "scary" appearance of these wounds) these types of wound healing problems generally go on to heal over the course of the next several weeks, without long-term sequelae. It may be helpful for you to know that sometimes the area may "look worse, before it looks better". Also important to concentrate on a healthy diet, including a good protein source. Occasionally, in the event of a wider scar, scar revision surgery may be helpful down the line. Best wishes.

William C. Rigano, MD (retired) · Answer

When skin healing is compromised after tummy tuck, excision of unhealthy tissue and open, dressing changes can work well in most patients. In the next 2 months, the wound will shrink and heal .Continue careful follow up with your surgeon.

Thomas Guillot, MD (retired) · Answer

This is a well known complication of abdominoplasties.  It does heal from the inside out and requires patience and time. sometimes it requires packing and other times it requires debridement and packing and possible a VAC device to obtain closure. Please listen to your plastic surgeon so that you can get through this and onto to complete healing.

Is it normal that you heal from inside out from an open incision? (Photo)

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Answer: Is it normal that you heal from inside out from an open incision?

Answer: Is it normal that you heal from inside out from an open incision?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Is it normal that you heal from inside out from an open incision? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Is it normal that you heal from inside out from an open incision?

Answer: Is it normal that you heal from inside out from an open incision?

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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.