Does my tummy tuck open incision need additional debridement? What can I do to speed up the process? (photos)

Question

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and the accompanying photograph.  Wound dehiscence or delayed wound healing are unfortunate complications of tummy tuck surgery.  The good news is that often times they do not require any additional procedure.  Basic wound care as instructed by your surgeon will allow the wound to gradually heal from the bottom up.  Additionally, the wound edges will contract leading to a gradual shrinking of the wound as it heals.  This is a process that may take several weeks-months depending on your overall health and the size of the wound.  The most conservative but often times effective approach is to allow your body to heal the wound with simple wound care (often wet to dry dressing changes with gauze or simple ointment application depending on the surgeon's preference).  Once the wound has closed and all surrounding swelling and inflammation have resolved, leave some time for the scar to completely mature, and you can then have a simple scar revision procedure typically under a local anesthetic to improve the aesthetic.  This revision should be delayed until at least 3-6 months from the time of your original surgery so that the tissue you're working with has fully recovered.  In the meantime, there are no magic potions which speed up the process.  The photos reveal a healthy wound that is still in the process of healing itself.  Be patient and make sure to follow the recommendations of your surgeon.  I recognize this is a frustratingly slow process but in the end, you can end up very satisfied with the outcome.  Hang in there!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Your wound looks derided of most of the necrotic tissue. There is some exudate that needs to be removed however.  Please visit your surgeon for a minor debridement to speed your healing.Best of luck!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello, Wound care is something that must be assessed in person. I'd recommend staying in close contact with your own Board Certified Plastic Surgery. All the best.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

I recommend that you revise your tummy tuck incision sooner than later after the wound has stabilized, no necrotic tissue is present, and no sign of infection is noted; you need cultures to guide the antibiotics that you should be on for your revision.

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Your wound looks seems to be granulating well. As long as you are a healthy non smoker, this should heal well.Meanwhile, i recommend that you continue with wet/dry dressings and adhere to your follow ups

Does my tummy tuck open incision need additional debridement? What can I do to speed up the process? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Tummy tuck revision

Answer: Tummy tuck revision

Answer: Tummy tuck open incision

Answer: Tummy tuck open incision

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Does my tummy tuck open incision need additional debridement? What can I do to speed up the process? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Tummy tuck revision

Answer: Tummy tuck revision

Answer: Tummy tuck open incision

Answer: Tummy tuck open incision

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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