My tummy tuck scar has a tiny hole and this morning I noticed that is draining pus. Could it be a sign of gangrene? (Photo)

Question

My surgery date was on July 14th of 2015

Mariam Awada, MD, FACS · Answer

You really need to have a folow up with your PS.  You likely have a little stitch abcess that should resolve with lovcal tx.  However, your PS needs to examine you to determine clearly whats happening and confirm there isnt anything more severe.  Gangrene is another topic not pertinent to you.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, a common cause of a small draining hole 4-6 weeks after tummy tuck surgery is a suture coming to the surface and causing a local small abscess.  Usually when the stitch falls out the wound heals completely.  It is not possible to confirm that this is your issue based on a photo alone, so I would recommend contacting your PS.

John J. Obi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry and the photos.  It is not unusual to have some small areas open and drain following major surgical procedures such as a tummy tuck.  These most often represent small suture abscesses and are fairly simple to treat.  Do follow up with your treating Plastic Surgeon when these occur to ensure that the healing is uneventful.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, there.  Based on your photos, you might have had a suture abscess.  Depending on which suture was used to close your incision, it may take 4-6 months for the suture to dissolve.  If the suture works its way out, it creates a small abscess and irritates the skin around it.  You can apply antibiotic ointment.  But please visit with your plastic surgeon to be evaluated in-person.  In regards to coloration of scar, it will improve with time.  Follow your plastic surgeon's post-operative recommendation.  I usually provide a scar cream once the incision is healed and ask my patients to avoid Sun exposure.  Best regards.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If draining a pus you need to contact your surgeon. It is more look like a healing issues possibly stitch abscess, which can be treated easily in the office. Pl talk to your PS . Good luck with your healing.

James Shoukas, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear you are having some trouble. That appears to be a small opening most likely from a dissolvable suture. You are probably just seeing some fat necrosis (nothing terrible), not true pus as it does not appear infected. That should heal fine. You should follow up with your PS just to be sure and get his/her recommendations on local wound care.

Irving Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hello, signs of infection include erythema (red color) inflammation, pain, and increased local temperature, along with some systemic signs like fever, if you are having theses symptoms and/or signs most probably it is and infection, otherwise it is somewhat common to have some tissue reaction against the suture material used in your wound, just keep it clean and dry, make sure to follow your surgeons prescription and in any doubt pay him a visit.Best of luck and have a good day.

Michael S. Hopkins, MD (retired) · Answer

Given the appearance and that it has been six weeks, you most likely have a small area of infection around one of your sutures, called a stitch abscess.  Tissue necrosis or "gangrene" will show up much sooner.  Removal of the suture will solve this problem and is done in the office.  Contact your surgeon to be evaluated and treated.  Best wishes.

My tummy tuck scar has a tiny hole and this morning I noticed that is draining pus. Could it be a sign of gangrene? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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