I had a body lift and the wounds have come open and no seem to be healing - what can I do? (photos)

Thank you for your questions and pictures and truly sorry for this complication.Those complications are rare yet known yet all types of body lifts are large and complex procedures.  Complications are more common in smokers and with patients with diabetes.  Has to do with blood flow and large undermining.  Some people also have a strong reaction to the inner sutures and this can lead to wound opening.There is a risk for serious infection with premature closure.  Continue with daily dressings and yes, silver and sulpha-based dressing are good option to control the bacterial colonization.  VAC (vacuum-assisted closure) is definitively an options.  Once cleaned and smaller, your surgeon might attempt a secondary closure.  If time is of essence, a skin graft might be considered and a delayed graft excision and closure several months later.Complications are never great and this is why we tell our patients to choose a plastic surgeon they trust so that the complication is dealt with as a team.Best of luck!Dr. Marc DuPere, Toronto aesthetic plastic surgeon and body surgeon.

I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with open wounds following your body lift. It's understandably a distressing situation, but there are various factors and treatments to consider that can aid in healing.
Open wounds post-surgery can result from several reasons, such as excessive tension on the incision, too much activity post-surgery, inadequate nutrition, anemia, infection, or the presence of a hematoma or seroma. From the analysis of your pictures, it's a relief to note that the wound does not appear infected and shows healthy red granulation tissue.
Treatment options include:
Wet To Dry Dressings: Utilizing normal saline or Dakin’s solution, this method can help accelerate wound closure.
Wound VAC (Vacuum-Assisted Closure): This can also expedite the healing process.
It's important to understand that this type of wound heals from the bottom up, a process known as healing by secondary intention. As the depth of the wound fills in, the skin edges will gradually grow together.
To optimize healing, consider the following:
Nutrition: Ensure a diet rich in protein (at least 100 g daily) and take an adult multivitamin.
Supplements: Extra doses of vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium can be beneficial.
Regular Follow-Ups: Maintain frequent visits with your plastic surgeon, either weekly or bi-weekly.
Hyperbaric Treatment: This might be an option to enhance oxygen supply to the tissues, promoting healing.
It's crucial to stay closely connected with your plastic surgeon and their team throughout this healing journey. Rest assured that wounds like these usually heal completely, often without the need for scar revision.
I hope this provides some guidance and reassurance regarding your post-body lift wound care and recovery. Hang in there, and good luck with your healing process.
Sincerely,

These areas do look scary, but they will heal over time.  I would suggest you follow your doctors advice and allow it to heal from the inside out. When they are finally healed, you can discuss revisionary surgery with your Plastic Surgeon.  You may want to ask about a Wound VAC to help get the would closed faster.  Some insurance companies will pay for this.  Good luck.