I had a tummy tuck in 2011 and I’m having a lot of complications 11 years later

Question

Hi, I had a tummy tuck in 2011. Over the years I’ve had a few stitches surface on the incision line. I just removed them easily. In the past two months I have multiple openings on the incision line infections and a lot of stitches coming out. My bellybutton has been infected for three months and is almost closed. Are used to not have any feeling due to the nerves but now it’s very painful the incision is red and swollen and has a lot of drainage in multiple areas.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

I'm sorry to hear you are having these problems.
It sounds like your condition is worsening and I recommend you see a surgeon about this as soon as you can.  I recommend you be seen by a surgeon today. 
If you have fever or chills or generally feel unwell, the emergency department is an appropriate choice to access care.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Kaonly4,

I'm sorry to hear about the complications you're experiencing years after your tummy tuck. While it's not common to have such issues a decade later, it does happen occasionally, and you're not alone in facing this.

The symptoms you're describing - multiple openings on the incision line, infections, a nearly closed belly button, and increased pain and swelling - suggest that your body may be reacting to residual sutures or, possibly, a chronic infection may have established itself. In either case, it's crucial you seek immediate medical attention.

Please reach out to a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your situation and guide you on the next steps. This may involve removing any remaining sutures, treating the infection, and possibly performing a revision surgery to rectify the problems.

Always remember, your health and safety are paramount, so do not hesitate to seek professional help. I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your journey to recovery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are having so many years after your surgery.  This is not typical or expected.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation and treatment plan.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Kaonly4,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to be seen and have cultures taken so please visit with your surgeon or another surgeon. You probably have retained permanent stitches that have become infected and may need to be removed if antibiotics don't treat it quickly and completely.

I had a tummy tuck in 2011 and I’m having a lot of complications 11 years later

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Answer: Tummy tuck complications

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Answer: Incisions

Answer: Incisions

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I had a tummy tuck in 2011 and I’m having a lot of complications 11 years later

Answers (10)

Answer: Tummy tuck complications

Answer: Tummy tuck complications

Answer: Incisions

Answer: Incisions

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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.