I have no stitch or medical tape on one of my liposuction incisions. How should I take care of it? (Photo)

Question

I received liposuction on my flanks about 7 days ago. One of the incisions that my surgeon left open is not covered or stitched up. There was some light yellow discharge. Does it look fine and is there anything I can do to take better care of it? I am waiting for my surgeon to respond back to my email.

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

At this point you have two options.1) Leave the incision alone and let it heal over time by cleaning it every day and keeping it covered with a band aid.2) Ask your surgeon to put a stitch in it and close it. You might get a better scar. This will require a quick procedure with local anesthesia.If it forms an unacceptable scar by leaving it open, you can always ask for a scar revision later.Good Luck!

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

erzfdjf.  Some plastic surgeons choose to leave the small incisions from liposuction procedures open, to allow fluid to drain. They usually heal quite nicely and I recommend that you keep the wound clean with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment. However, it is best to consult with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck.

S. Alexander Earle, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on the photo, the incision looks fine.  It is ok to leave the port sites open after liposuction to allow for drainage.  They eventually close on their own.  Of course, it is always important to follow up with you plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, I do this frequently because it helps with drainage and I also think the scars look better. To take care of it I like my patients to get it wet with soap and water in the shower than apply some bacitracin and a band aid after- thats it! It should scab over just like if you scraped your elbow

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

I would simply put Bacitracin ointment on the incision.  This should be adequate.  It will close in less than 2 weeks.

I have no stitch or medical tape on one of my liposuction incisions. How should I take care of it? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Open incisions

Answer: Open incisions

Answer: Liposuction incisions

Answer: Liposuction incisions

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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I have no stitch or medical tape on one of my liposuction incisions. How should I take care of it? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Open incisions

Answer: Open incisions

Answer: Liposuction incisions

Answer: Liposuction incisions

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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