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

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

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

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.  

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.

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!

There does not appear to be an active infection but you do have compromised soft tissue. This type of tissue is good food for bacteria to grow and cause infection. So, be in close communication with your PS and follow instructions closely. Good luck and be well.

There has been a separation of the skin edges causing the fat under the skin the show through. Visit your surgeons office as soon as you can and they will work through this with you.

It looks like that mid portion of the incision is slightly open.  It is important to follow up with your surgeon and continue to have help from the nurse.  Sorry your are having trouble after your surgery.

Difficult to tell from your photo if you have an infection.  You definitely have a wound healing issue; most likely form flap vascular compromise.  It is important to follow your surgeon's recommendations in wound care to speed healing.  He/she will monitor the area for possible infection and prescribe antibiotics when appropriate.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Dear joanna99,

Thank you for your clinical post and photograph. Unfortunately, abdominoplasty surgery
involves a large flap of tissue that must be elevated, excess skin removed,
muscle tightened and a large surface area of the avenue is then stitched
closed. Occasionally, there is vascular
insufficiency to completely profuse the healing flap and there is some
separation of the incision and even minor to moderate death of tissue. This type of post tummy tuck delayed healing
just above the pubic area is relatively common and with appropriate dressings
involving home care nursing and frequent soft tissue monitoring from your
surgeon usually complications such as infection and abscess or other similar
soft tissue complications can be avoided.


Although difficult to tell from your photograph it does not
appear that the signs and symptoms of a true soft tissue infection are present,
however, you should seek the advice of your operative surgeon as they are in
the best position to understand fully what was performed and how recovery is
improving. In general, with the high
tech dressings we have now this kind of area can expect to heal in
approximately 6-8 weeks. Approximately 6 months to 1 year following that your
surgeon may be in the position to offer you some minor scar revisions to
improve your result. At this point in
time, you are doing the right thing, focus totally on healing, seek the
follow-up advice of your plastic surgeon frequently with home care nursing
doing the dressings and I’m certain all your contour issues will heal
satisfactorily.

There’s a high probability you’ll need enhancement surgery
and scar revision at 1 year, but focus at this time on getting healed, eating
well, walking, exercising and having regular follow-up with your surgeon.

For more information, please review the link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto