Is this infected? Should I check with the surgeon tomorrow or wait till Monday for my appointment? (Photo)

Question

I'm 3 weeks post op tummy tuck and breast reduction tomorrow. I still have a lot of pain. On Monday my PS changed the dressing to Pico. I have homecare nurses coming to change the dressing. It was changed today and I'm back to see my PS on Monday. There will be another dressing change on Saturday. He has ordered a change every 2 to 3 days. It looks open am is very painful still. I'm only at about 30% back to normal. Still resting a lot. I stopped pain meds on Monday because they don't seem to be helping.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It does not appear that you are healing properly, with or without infection.  Please discuss this with your surgeon when you see him.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Luis Tactuk Simó, MD · Answer

Hello, even thought your photo is not very clear, i would say there is no infection, but it looks as if you had some soft tissue suffering in the wound. You will need to have that treated by you specialist. Best wishes

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. It doesn't appear that you have an infection taking place, but rather you have some skin from your tummy tuck that has lost its blood supply. It is not an emergency, and it appears that your PS is aware since he has recommended wound care to help manage the skin, but i would be sure to voice your concerns and have them explain to you how they plan on managing the skin loss.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

From the photograph it looks as though you have some soft tissue loss in the suprapubic area. It does not appear to be infected but needs to be handled by your surgeon.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

It is hard to see on your photo.  However, it does not have surrounding erythema (redness) or drainage, it does not look like you have infection.  If you have an open wound, you may continue to have pain until the area closes.  I would continue with wound care and following up with your plastic surgeon in regular basis.  Good luck with your recovery!

Is this infected? Should I check with the surgeon tomorrow or wait till Monday for my appointment? (Photo)

Answers (5)