I'm 19 days post tummy tuck and lipo. What is going on with this? Suggestions? (photo)

Question

I've been complaining about a building area in on R side prior to removing my drains. Drains removed 14 days post. Well area got bigger. Sent photos, placed on antibiotics Cipro. I ended up at he ER, told induration and surgical incision infection, placed on Aug/Clav and Bactrim. It's draining a little & going down slowly, but I'm worried. I'm regretting I even done this surgery. Tears Tears Tears. I'm a nurse and I'm lost. Help

Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question/photos. Tummy tucks have up to a 30% complication rate. The more common complications include infection, wound separation, changes in sensation to the abdomen, seroma, hematoma, and pain among many others. 
Based on your photographs and visit to the emergency department, it seems as though you have a surgical site infection. You need to finish taking all of your antibiotics and give yourself more time to heal. You need more time for the swelling and the infection to resolve. The swelling can take 3-6 months to resolve. During this recovery process, it is important that you follow up closely with your plastic and reconstructive surgeon who performed the operation. It is crucial to have weekly visits to assess your wound and evaluate the progress of the infection. Follow the instructions of the plastic surgeon.
All the best! 
Alex Zuriarain, MD, Plastic Surgery

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

Please see your surgeon to get cultures of the wound. You are at higher risk of MRSA because your a nurse. You will be fine after wound is healed. Your surgeon is your best ally and follow his/her instructions.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Look like you got wound infection. Continue to use antibiotics and local wound care. You will heal fine with time. Please follow instructions from your PS

Thomas Trey Sands, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This is typical delayed wound healing. This will heal without any issues if cared for appropriately. You should follow up with your plastic surgeon and he can care for this with either debridement or general wound care. There is no sign of infection from your pictures. Good luck.

Ali Sadeghi, MD, FACS · Answer

thank you for sharing your story and pictures. It appears that you have a minor degree of wound separation in some parts of your abdominal incision. Judging from pictures it will initially heal well within wound care but may require a scar revision later. Folllow with your plastic surgeon.

I'm 19 days post tummy tuck and lipo. What is going on with this? Suggestions? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: I'm 19 days post tummy tuck and lipo. What is going on with this? Suggestions?

Answer: I'm 19 days post tummy tuck and lipo. What is going on with this? Suggestions?

Answer: Incision separated after tummy tuck

Answer: Incision separated after tummy tuck

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I'm 19 days post tummy tuck and lipo. What is going on with this? Suggestions? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: I'm 19 days post tummy tuck and lipo. What is going on with this? Suggestions?

Answer: I'm 19 days post tummy tuck and lipo. What is going on with this? Suggestions?

Answer: Incision separated after tummy tuck

Answer: Incision separated after tummy tuck

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.