19 days post op Tummy Tuck, is my healing ok? (photos)

Question

I am 19 days post op on a full tummy tuck with Lipo. One part does just not seem to be healing at all....other parts look like stitches coming through? I have a follow up on Wednesday.....

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

Wound healing issues are not uncommon with abdominoplasty.  Thankfully, most of these wounds are minor, and will heal on their own without intervention.  The wound that you demonstrate in your lower abdomen is below the navel.  As you know, your surgeon made a new hole in the skin to recreate your navel.  The blood supply to the abdominal skin is delivered from the superior abdomen.  A new hole in the skin interrupts this blood supply to all skin below.  This mean that the skin below the navel will have difficulty healing.  This is generally the last place to heal.I hope this helps. Good luck!

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

The photo demonstrates a small area of skin necrosis. Local wound care and patience will help with getting you over the initial phase of healing. It's possible that the internal sutures are "spitting" and that can be managed by the surgeon. Make sure you follow up with your doctor on a regular basis.

Neal Handel, MD · Answer

The kind of wound healing delays
you are experiencing are quite common following abdominoplasty or tummy tuck
procedures. Often some of the deep stitches come to the surface and “pop out” through
the skin – they can simply be trimmed it this occurs. Sometimes there is slight
wound separation (which appears to be what has happened in your case). These
small areas of delayed healing are best treated by dressing changes and they usually
heal on their own within in a few weeks.

Christine Sullivan, MD (retired) · Answer

Your reputable board certified plastic surgeon should be made aware of any and all post-operative questions and concerns. Please contact their office to discuss your individual concerns. Best wishes!

19 days post op Tummy Tuck, is my healing ok? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Post-Op questions should be address by your plastic surgeon.

Answer: Post-Op questions should be address by your plastic surgeon.

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

19 days post op Tummy Tuck, is my healing ok? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Post-Op questions should be address by your plastic surgeon.

Answer: Post-Op questions should be address by your plastic surgeon.

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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.