My incision dehisced, causing a gaping wound. Is revision an option? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I am close to 2 months post op from my tummy tuck. Unfortunately my healing was compromised due to the tissue becoming necrotic shortly after surgery and my incision dehised causing a gaping wound. I did not get good feedback on the issue from the surgeons office and I am currently being seen by a wound care specialist. My healing has been going well but I am concerned on the cosmetic aspect once it is healed. Will I need or be a candidate for scar revision?

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Moni1989G,
I am sorry that this happened to you--open wounds are unfortunate after a tummy tuck procedure.
In the short term, your surgeon and/or your wound care team should help determine how to get the wound healed. Specifically, the wound is large enough that your surgeon may elect to skin graft to get it healed and watertight.
Long term, I would suggest waiting a year for things to heal and settle before critically examining the result and determining whether a revision is necessary/possible. Ironically, the best revision option (if needed) would probably be another tummy tuck, plus or minus undermining the tissue below the scar to bring it upwards and get skin-to-skin closure.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Moni1989G,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

As large and scary as that wound is, it will heal on its own. It may take several months. Any attempt to close the wound will make it worse. After it’s all healed you may benefit from a minor revision.  Whatever you do, avoid the idea of trying to close it. It won’t work

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I am so very sorry for your difficulty, but it appears you are healing slowly. Once healed, micro-needling might be helpful. For any revision, you will need to wait at least one year for all the swelling to subside and the tissue settle. You may be surprised how well the scar will look once healed.  Keep in touch with your surgeon and start the discussion about revision. I'm sure your surgeon will do what is needed,

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Sorry for the complication. Best to allow healing by secondary intention over next 3-6 months. Then allow scar maturation before considering a revision surgery.

My incision dehisced, causing a gaping wound. Is revision an option? (Photo)

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Answer: Wound

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Answer: My incision dehisced, causing a gaping wound. Is revision an option?

Answer: My incision dehisced, causing a gaping wound. Is revision an option?

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My incision dehisced, causing a gaping wound. Is revision an option? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Wound

Answer: Wound

Answer: My incision dehisced, causing a gaping wound. Is revision an option?

Answer: My incision dehisced, causing a gaping wound. Is revision an option?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.