How common is it that I'm still trying to clear up a bacterial infection 9 months post-op tummy tuck?

I am so very sorry to hear about your troubles with surgery. It is possible that some of your permanent sutures have gotten infected at this fat out in time. This is not very common at all.

Thank you for your question. It is not common to have a bacterial infection 9 months after a tummy tuck. The next time one of these abscesses is drained, I'd recommend having cultures taken to identify the bacteria, which will allow for targeted antibiotic treatment.

There's a possibility that the sutures became secondarily infected. However, at this point, most of the absorbable Vicryl sutures should have dissolved. Another potential issue is infection of the permanent sutures, which might require oral or even IV antibiotics. In rare cases, it may be necessary to remove the permanent sutures.

I'd suggest you seek advice from an infectious disease specialist for definitive treatment. Thank you again for your question regarding the commonality of a bacterial infection 9 months post tummy tuck.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

I'm sorry to hear of all the issues you've been experiencing since your tummy tuck. It is rare to still be dealing with lingering infection at this point. Your surgeon may want to consult with an infection disease specialist to determine the best course of action for you.