My Tummy Tuck Incision is Not Healing Properly? (photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 4 weeks ago and about a week ago I developed redness and a little drainage from incision sight. My ps removed 1 stitch. Now I am waiting for it to heal or he says he will have to remove another one. Today, I woke up and there is a lot of whitish, yellowish tissue inside. There is a little pain. I use a tiny bit of hydrogen peroxide mixed with water to clean it, then use neosporin and a bandaid a about 2-3x daily. Should I be letting it air out at all? Please Help! so scared!

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Small areas of the tummy tuck incision that take their time to heal and dissolvable sutures that work their way out and need to be removed are common after a tummy tuck. It sounds like your surgeon is doing all the right things as are you. It will take a while, but you should heal fine. Good luck.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

I would have you come to the office and I clean your wound with instruments.  Then I'd have you leave your wound open to the air to dry out.  You will be fine!

Best wishes!!

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

Your tummy tuck incision appears to be healing okay - the swelling of the upper abdominal flap has created the ridge that you observe. As the swelling diminishes, you should have an acceptable scar.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You do not have necrosis and the small area of opening will heal uneventfully.  Continue the local wound care as instructed by your plastic surgeon.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Very minor wound healing issue! Best to follow ONLY your surgeon's advise since he/she is the responsibility heath care provider. Local wound care and maybe PO antibiotics are all that is needed. But again check with your surgeon.

My Tummy Tuck Incision is Not Healing Properly? (photo)

Answers (5)