Surgery 3 weeks ago - small hard plastic piece in incision. (Photo)

Question

There is a small hard piece of plastic coming out of the incision area of my tummy tuck surgery site. What is it ?

Brian M. Derby, MD, FACS · Answer

It certainly looks like a foreign body. Possibly a residual drain end? Fortunately, with appropriate treatment including foreign body removal, wound debridement, and wound care, you may find that this issue heals uneventfully without the need for future revision. That's not a promise, but reassurance that there's hope that all may turn out well. Best of luck.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.I would recommend having that wound evaluated in person by your surgeon. The plastic may be suture, but the more concerning part is that skin necrosis of the incision.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,That foreign body is sitting in a field of necrotic tissue, which needs to be removed by your surgeon as soon as possible so that you can heal more quickly. Best of luck!

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your picture and question. I am not sure what you show in the picture. Best to ask your surgeon as he or she was the person there during the procedure and knows what was used. It looks as though you are also having some healing problems, so it would be a good chance to discuss how to manage that as well.Best of luck!

Benjamin Chu, MD, FACS · Answer

You have necrotic skin edges as well as a foreign body in the incision.  Not sure as what it is but it should be removed.  The wound does not look clean and there is dead skin in the middle.  It needs to be debrided and dressed with Silvadene so it can heal by secondary intention.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  It appears to be a suture, and I agree with my peers , have your PS look at the tissue that is necrotic.

Malcolm D. Paul, MD · Answer

You have delayed wound healing. This object needs to be removed by your surgeon.  The incision will take several more weeks to heal and a scar revision at 6-12 months may be needed.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,This could be a suture or a piece of a drain or such an item. It should probably be removed but the timing and method are best provided by your surgeon.Best Regards,
John Di Saia MD

Chandra V. Ellis, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It is hard to determine exactly what is in the picture based on its size but it looks like the object is in the area of a wound at the incision site.   Wounds can happen after tummy tuck but to know for sure I recommend that you follow up with your plastic surgeon.   I'm sure he or she would like to be notified of your concern.

Regina M. Fearmonti, MD · Answer

That looks like a piece of retained absorbable suture. The sutures are done in a few layers-it appears that one of them is "spitting." This is not uncommon. Let your surgeon know and they can trim this to allow the skin to heal around it.

Surgery 3 weeks ago - small hard plastic piece in incision. (Photo)

Answers (12)