Abdominoplasty wound has sticky yellow substance inside and incision will not close. Should I see my surgeon? (Photo)

Question

I'm 7 weeks out and everything is going great except for this one inch of the incision. There is a sticky yellow substance and the incision will not close. It appears as though either side of the wound has healed independently and not together. Will this correct itself in time or should I go see my surgeon? I called his nurse and she said its normal and to put bacitracin on it and it will eventually close. Is this the right advice?

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

This does not appear to be a major wound separation, and should go on to heal.  However, it is important that you see your surgeon in-person so that he can assess the situation with an in-person exam.  These kinds of issues should not be handled over the phone, and she may benefit from trimming away some of that yellow tissue which is exposed proteinaceous buildup.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. At seven weeks any minor incisional separation should be showing consistent improvement.  I would recommend seeing your surgeon for an in-person evaluation and discussion of wound care recommendations or need for debridement of the tissues to stimulate healing. Hope this helps.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

You should always see your Surgeon- if you have any post-op problem/concern. Local wound care is indicated.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

I would see your PS and be examined in person. it is not unusual to have wounds that struggle to heal but at 7 weeks things should be improving rather than getting worse.

James Shoukas, MD · Answer

Most likely just needs local wound care but you should absolutely see your plastic surgeon so that he or she may guide you through this process.

John Dean, MD · Answer

Your surgeons nurse is correct that this problem can happen and usually will heal without too much trouble but I do think that you should see the surgeon.  He can show you the proper way to take care of it, reassure you and make sure that there are no deeper problems.

Abdominoplasty wound has sticky yellow substance inside and incision will not close. Should I see my surgeon? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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