How to heal a groin incision infection?

Question

Had a medial thigh lift 2 weeks ago and am battling an infection in my groin incisions. I'm on antibiotics, rinsing every time I pee, then wash area with antibacterial soap, rinse, pat dry and blow dry. Doc suggested polysporin powder but appears to be unavailable anywhere. I'd love additional impute on how to handle this infection and/or tips to heal rapidly. I am in FL now, but return to AZ in about 10 days. Hope to have this resolved prior to leaving. Any suggestions? Any powder available?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's not unusual for patients to develop infections along their groin incisions following thigh lift surgery. This occurs for a variety of reasons including high bacterial colonization rates in the groin crease.When infections occur in this area, treatments involve local wound care, antibiotics and careful attention to hygiene. When these steps are taken, the vast majority of infections resolve without difficulty. In the interim, it's important to maintain close contact with your plastic surgeon.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question regarding how to heal a groin incision infection after a medial thigh lift.

It is very important for you to follow up with your plastic surgeon. Seeking medical advice online for the treatment of surgical wounds is dangerous. In general, you need an oral antibiotic and a topical antibiotic. Oral antibiotics can include strong medications like Cipro and clindamycin. Topical antibiotics can include medications like bacitracin and mupirocin. If you work in the medical field, you may have been exposed to an antibiotic-resistant organism called MRSA. For this organism, you may need a strong oral medication like vancomycin in addition to mupirocin ointment.

Another modality that can help accelerate wound healing is hyperbaric treatment. I would suggest daily hyperbaric treatment for 7 to 10 days. I am also unfamiliar with the Polysporin powder. I would suggest you follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your questions regarding healing a groin incision infection.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Burr von Maur, MD · Answer

I appreciate your question since groin incisions after thigh lift can be troublesome and sometimes take longer to heal.I'm glad to see that you are adhering to a strict hygiene regimen. Rest assured that the incisions will heal with time.Polysporin powder is an excellent choice,especially if you can keep the area as dry as possible.

How to heal a groin incision infection?

Answers (3)