How long will this take to heal? My incision split open & drainage came out once drains removed.I know it will take time.(photo)

Question

It has been 4 weeks & I don't think it looks any better or like it is even healing. My PS said to pack it will dry gauze. It does still drain some but it is a gapping hole. I have been taking vitamins, eating protein & drinking plenty of water. Is there anything I can do to speed this healing up? I am going to Cancun in September & I am worried this hole will still be open. My PS said this isn't anything to worry about but now I am worried because I don't see any difference in the healing. Help!

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

I agree that you may want to see your surgeon and possibly revise your plan of action. From your photo, the tissue does appear healthy and not infected. If you have a larger cavity beneath the opening, it will take longer to heal. Also, wound healing is not a steady process. It takes a couple of weeks for the body to rev up the healing factory to make the proteins that heal the wounds, but once that occurs, the wounds close faster. If you have a larger cavity beneath the skin, your surgeon may suggest that you use moistened gauze to keep the wound from drying out.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

It is very important to visit your surgeon again and see if something can be changed in the wound care process. If you do not get a satisfying answer then you ask for a second opinion with anotherdoctor as werll. Best of luck

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

If this indeed hasn't progressed over recent weeks, another visit to your surgeon is in order to review your progress and revise the care plan.  I can't really tell from the photo how large this is on the surface, and how big the underlying hole is.  Usually these heal with local wound care, but without requiring surgeryAll the best.

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Schedule a follow up with you surgeon. This needs to be treated in person. Tell him or her of the changes you have noticed or lack of change. This a slow process and can take several weeks to resolve. Best of luck. Dean Vistnes.

How long will this take to heal? My incision split open & drainage came out once drains removed.I know it will take time.(photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Follow up with your surgeon.

Answer: Follow up with your surgeon.

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How long will this take to heal? My incision split open & drainage came out once drains removed.I know it will take time.(photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Follow up with your surgeon.

Answer: Follow up with your surgeon.

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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.