Do you have suggestions for the opening of incision after a LBL?

Hi,This can be really frustrating when it happens but it does happen more than you think especially after a big surgery like a LBL.  As long as you are following the wound care and eating and drinking well your wound will heal.  Wounds heal inside out so over weeks the wound should get smaller and smaller.   Its an especially hard spot since you cannot see easily but trust that with time it will heal.  Make sure to communicate your concerns to your plastic surgeon so that s/he can answer and reassure you about them.Best of Luck with you healing!Dr. Rednam

Thank you for your question.  This can happen time to time.  With proper wound care it should all heal very nicely.  Continue following your surgeons recommendations.  Best of luck to you. 

Thank you for your question regarding what to do with an opening of an incision at the top of your buttock crack three weeks after a lower body lift. Wound breakdown is one of the most common complications after a lower body lift. The top of the buttock crack is notorious for break down. The BEST treatment for this area is wet to dry dressings. Various solutions can be applied during the wet to dry dressings, ranging from normal saline to Dakin's. These will debris the wound and accelerate healing. Once the collagen and yellow tissue is debrided, you can move on to topical creams to expedite the healing. However, at this time, the best treatment for this area is wet to dry dressings. Thank you for your question regarding what to do with wound breakdown at the top of the buttock crack after a lower body lift.
I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss. If you have any more questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy please contact my office. Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 100 circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.  If you cannot find an experienced, lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Dear Practical5751, Thank you your question. Congratulations on your surgery. Unfortunately, it is very common to have wound healing issues in areas with a lot of tension.The good news is that you should heal with time with local wound care. I would also increase your protein intake to help with wound healing. Continue to communicate with your plastic surgeon. Good luck, Dr. Suzette Miranda Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 

Hello and thanks for your question.  This is a common area for minor wound breakdown after a lower body lift.  Make sure that you are not applying pressure to this area.
Although wounds such as these typically heal quickly, wet-to-dry dressings may cause the underlying healthy tissue to dry out, and may cause pain and bleeding with dressing changes.  They are not typically recommended by wound care experts.
Maintaining a moist wound environment with alginate and a foam dressing (with a gentle adhesive to avoid trauma to the skin caused by tape) may be preferable. You may want to ask your surgeon about referral to a wound care center. 

Thank you for your question.
It is, unfortunately, not an uncommon occurrence after a LBL. It does, however, heal overtime without problems. Simple dressings and local care, as suggested by your surgeon should suffice. Please follow all his instructions. 
All The Best !

Hello, thank you for your question!
I´m sorry to hear about the open wound, however remember that this is very common, specially in that area since is where the most tension is. Don´t worry, it will close eventually, it will just take a few weeks. Keep the wound clean. Be sure to follow your plastic surgeon´s instructions and stay in communication until you heal properly.
Best regards

Unfortunately this type of problem happens relatively frequently with LBL. Taking good care of your wound to avoid infection like shower, soap and water, apply either wet/dry dressing twice a day or other type of wound dressing per your physician choice, will result in complete healing of this wound. It may take several weeks depending of the size of wound but it will heal. Patience, sty in touch with your surgeon. Good luck.

thanks for writing,Congratulations on your weight loss and LBL. Dont worry this happens periodically, with great wound care and a dedicated plastic surgeon you will do well. Stephen M Davis, MD, FACSCertified: America Board of Plastic Surgery Member: America Society for Aesthetic Surgery Member: America Society of Plastic Surgery Member: RealSelf Hall of Fame

Thank you for your inquiry.    An opening along the upper buttock crease is the most common area for this to happen.   It will heal nicely but will take several more weeks.    Continue to follow the advice of your surgeon.