I am 3 weeks s/p tummy tuck with delayed healing/ dehiscence. Wound vac needed? (photo)

Question

It started as a 1.5 cm opening that has now become what is pictured here. I am seen by the wound care clinic 1x a week with my 2nd appointment being tomorrow. I am using Santyl ointment with wet to moist dressing changes daily. I have written my Dr to ask if a wound vac would be beneficial?

Timothy Treece, MD, FACS · Answer

You are obviously having a healing issue.   Your wound is clean and should heal fine with correct wound care. A wound vac is expensive and doesn't see to be necessary at his point, by looking at your photos.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear maylanismom,this type of wound is not uncommon after tummy tuck. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

but a wound VAC may accelerate this at costs to you.  So is it worth it??? Most of us, being budget conscious, would not recommend this unless the patient was simply willing to spend anything to speed up the process.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the question and photos. Sorry you have a wound healing issue - is your surgeon still monitoring your wound healing progress? A wound VAC would be a good idea, although it is an expensive therapy that might or might not get covered by your insurance for a complication of cosmetic surgery. Wound VAC therapy accelerates healing in many patients and may give a slightly better result. However, if you are not able to get it covered by insurance, you may wish to remain on simpler wound healing techniques as your wound looks like a healthy bed is developing in the base and ought to close in time.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you are having a wound healing issue - one that is not entirely rare. However, your wound does appear to be relatively clean and should heal fairly rapidly in general with the right wound care. A wound vac is expensive and totally unnecessary in your situation. I would discuss this issue with your surgeon in great detail - either in person or by phone - and not by letter! Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

Sorry you are having issues after tummy tuck. The wound VAC is a powerful device for improving wound healing, but it is expensive. Since your wound is related to cosmetic surgery, it would likely have to be paid for out of pocket. It appears your wound is quite clean, and should heal fairly rapidly with moist dressings at the direction of your plastic surgeon.

David Boudreault, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi maylanismom,I'm sorry to hear about your wound and it does appear to be improving with your current treatment.  Based on my experience with using wound vacs, it is unlikely that insurance will cover the cost, even if it would help speed up healing in some cases.  The best wound care for these wounds is regular dressing changes.  This keeps the wound clean, allowing it to close without further issue.  In the end, your wound will heal, leaving you with a slightly widened scar.  I would recommend you follow the advice of your plastic surgeon and be patient.I hope that helps.Best,Dr. B

I am 3 weeks s/p tummy tuck with delayed healing/ dehiscence. Wound vac needed? (photo)

Answers (7)

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