Tiny opening on tummy tuck incision 5 weeks post op. Should I be worried? (Photo)

Question

Hello I'm 5 weeks post op tummy tuck no m repair - I was fully heeled so I started using silicon dressing however I noticed some yellow fluid so I took the dressing off and found a tiny opening on my incision line, my surgeon is in a different country to me, I've cleaned it with antiseptic spray and just put on one of those silver plasters .. Should I be worried ?

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

The wound pictured does not look serious and is most likely a
stitch abscess. Since your PS is unavailable, I recommend scheduling an
appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to have the
stitch removed. Best regards.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Minor wound issues such as those pictured in the photograph are occasionally seen with abdominoplasty. Almost always with proper wound care they heal spontaneously.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you of your question and photograph.  I would be careful with your incision.  It looks like the edges of your scar have healed nicely, and i see the area of concern in the middle of your incision, but am most concerned about the redness around that tiny opening.  I would mark the area of surrounding redness and watch it to make sure it isn't worsening for a possible skin infection that may require antibiotics to treat.  A small opening can be cared for by keeping the area clean and applying gauze until your body heals it from the inside out.  In my opinion it looks like you may have a small suture that hasn't absorbed fully and is "spitting"  through the wound. I would be in touch with your PCP or a surgeon in your community that may be able to see you and make recommendations after a thorough exam

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Minor wound issues like this are not uncommon and they heal bythemself. Please follow up with your PS nd everything will be fine.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

From your photo and description, it appears that you have a small stitch abscess from a dissolving suture.  I would suggest you keep the area clean with soap and water and apply a topical antibiotic ointment (Polysporin or Neosporin).  In most cases, this will resolve over the next few days.  If the area becomes more inflamed, tender, or you develop a fever or malaise, you should seek out a plastic surgeon in your area. Best wishes, Dr Lepore.

Tiny opening on tummy tuck incision 5 weeks post op. Should I be worried? (Photo)

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