Is this post LBL open wound a candidate for a Wound Vac machine? (Photo)

Question

This occurred about 3 weeks after my LBL. My surgeon and my general MD said it will heal on its own. both agree this looks healthy and is not infected. However, another general surgeon with the wound care center in my small town thinks i should get on a Wound Vac machine. What do you think? Im healthy and gave good oxygen and blood flow, taking care of myself. It's been like this for about 2 weeks. What are your thoughts? It's just so big!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear NetMaker,Congratulations on undergoing a 360 lower bodylift. I hope you have seen dramatic improvements.  Unfortunately, wounds are not uncommon to lower body lifts.  The picture that you provided shows a clean healthy wound without any signs of infection.  This wound can be taken care of safely in several different ways.  The wound VAC is one method.  The wound VAC provides suction and a sealed closure to a wound.  Typically, the wound VAC is changed by a nurse or doctor every other day. Sometimes, the wound VAC is covered by insurance. Sometimes the wound VAC is not covered by insurance and is very expensive.   Another way to take care of the wound is by dressing changes 2-3 times a day. The bothersome thing about this type of dressing change is that you have to do dressing changes several times a day.  In addition, fluid may leak from the dressing.  Leaking fluid is uncommon with a wound VAC. Whether you use a wound VAC or traditional dressing changes, this wound will take several weeks to heal. It is essential that you eat 100 g of protein a day, take daily multi vitamins, extra vitamin C, extra Zinc, and extra magnesium. All these will help to maximize wound healing.Each form of wound care has its own benefits and risks.  In the end, I believe both forms of wound treatment (dressing changes or the wound VAC) will heal at the same rate.  In addition, I believe both forms will result in the same scar.  Basically, it boils down to what you feel most comfortable with: would you rather do daily dressing changes by yourself or would you rather a nurse or doctor change the wound VAC every other day?

Samer W. Cabbabe, MD · Answer

The wound vac is not necessary.  The wound is healthy and will start to close quickly now.  Routine wound care with saline is acceptable given the cosmetic nature of your procedure/costs and the minimal benefit/inconveniences a vac would add.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

A wound vac is one option to help your wound heal and may shorten the healing time to some extent.  However, with good local wound care - keeping the area clean and performing regular dressing changes - this wound should heal over the next few weeks with or without the added cost and equipment of a wound vac.  Best wishes.

Is this post LBL open wound a candidate for a Wound Vac machine? (Photo)

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