How should I care for fleur de lis tummy tuck? How to get liquid that is trapped? (Photo)

Question

I had a fleur de lis tummy tuck 6 weeks ago. I’m retaining liquid and I get lymphatic massage twice a week. My belly button is still open and where the scars meet is open and always draining.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Garciagettingbetter,this type of wound is not uncommon after tummy tuck. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.I would recommend seeing your surgeon. Based on the photo, I would recommend having that would cleaned up. There is necrotic tissue there and unless you get that out of the wound it will continue to delay healing.

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Your photos show a serious complication that will need your surgeon’s attention. The openings at your belly button and the bottom incision show that there is tissue necrosis (death of the tissue), and the draining fluid probably represents infection of the unhealthy tissue.You will need specialized wound care, antibiotics, and probably further surgery to ensure this heals. Call your surgeon’s office immediately. If you are unable to see your surgeon within a couple days, consider seeing another board certified surgeon or asking your primary care doctor about referral to a hospital based wound care clinic.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Your pictures show evidence of necrosis (tissue death) and wound dehiscence (opening). This needs to be evaluated and treated by your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Do not delay and if you are unable to see your surgeon, I suggest you find a local plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to see you.Best of luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is important that you maintain communication with your surgeon and closely follow post op instructions.  Your surgeon should follow your recovery progress and advise how to care for wounds.  Swelling can persist for months after surgery.  Your surgeon will examine you to ensure a seroma hasn't formed.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Based on the pictures posted, this a serious complication that requires follow up and intervention by the operating surgeon. Under the best conditions this will require at least three months to completely heal provided no other systemic diseases.

James Shoukas, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  You seem to have had a wound dehiscence which will require supervision from your operative plastic surgeon.  This may require operative debridement.  You should be following up with your plastic surgeon regularly to discuss the best course of action. Best of luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears as you have had a serious postoperative complication of wound dehiscence and fat necrosis. You need your surgeon to be considering aggressive surgical debridement. Or was your surgery done  out of country?  Now you need to be seen twice weekly in a PSs office. Healing without any aggressive treatments/surgeries will take months.

How should I care for fleur de lis tummy tuck? How to get liquid that is trapped? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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