What are helpful tips that I can do to prevent my wound from getting any bigger? (photo)

Question

When I was 7 days out of from my fdl tt, gauze ripped off my glue. I do have oily skin. My doctor suggested that I can take a shower 24 hours after my surgery. My surgeon suggested that I not put anything on the area, just dry pads. Only in the shower, let water and antibacterial soap run down my incision. I am now using Santyl once a day and I am on an antibiotic. I just order Juven tissue rebuilding powder (if this even works). Is there anything else I can do? I usually heal amazingly quick.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bbutler31,this type of wound is not uncommon after tummy tuck. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. You can increase intake of proteins to promote healing. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Donn M. Hickman, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Follow your surgeon's instructions. Often dry care can be helpful to reduce yeast infection, although your surgeon will modify things to help the split stabilize and begin to close. This could take a number of weeks but avoiding excessive activity is the key. The surgeon will be looking to see that the yellow color of the fat will change to a textured red tone, which indicates healing or granulation tissue. This will resist infection and assist in contracting the opening so closure will ensure. Then the skin will close behind it.  Any increased drainage will be addressed by changing antibiotics, or adding light moist dressings soaked with hypochlorite or vinegar type solution.  If the wound has little drainage and converts to the textured red stage, you are progressing well. Be very patient with this process. We all see this on rare occasion no matter how careful we are in cases of moderate to major difficulty. Best wishes.

Mohamad H. Bazzi, MD · Answer

Hello,
It sounds like your plastic surgeon gave you good instructions and you are doing all that you can. Only use what your surgeon advises or approves. Sometimes the extra things patients may want to try interact or hinder with the things you should be using. Avoid too much bending or aggressive activity.
Happy healing!

What are helpful tips that I can do to prevent my wound from getting any bigger? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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What are helpful tips that I can do to prevent my wound from getting any bigger? (photo)

Answers (3)

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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.