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.

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

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.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

You need to be evaluated and the wound cultured as soon as possible.  Often, atypical organisms may be cultured which require a different antibiotic protocol.  Another issue I have seen from patients who had  plastic surgery tourism (surgeries outside of the US) is infected plication (sutures used to tighten the abdominal muscles) which need to be removed for the infection to resolve.

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.

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.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

This is highly unusual. You need to see your doctor for evaluation.

Atypical mycobacterium can be a cause of this type of problem and needs expert evaluation and treatment.

Good luck

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Please seek in person examination from a local boarded Plastic Surgeon ASAP. Appears you are describing late occurring permanent suture abscesses. That most likely need surgical removal.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Complications 11 years after surgery sounds unusual. I suggest you either follow up with the surgeon who did your procedure or find another plastic surgeon to help you get an assessment and manage your own care.
Without pictures we can’t make much of an assessment or actual recommendations other than to obtain quality care.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Chronic draining wounds of the abdomen after tummy tuck is usually due to colonization and later infection of deep permanent sutures placed in the fascia of the abdominal musculature. If few in number, they can be extracted manually. If numerous, open exploration and removal of the offending suture material may be required. They have outlived their usefulness years ago. As you are currently exhibiting symptoms and signs of active infection (redness, pain, swelling, and drainage), evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon ASAP is recommended. Best wishes...

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

Answers (10)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Reverse Tummy Tuck. What are your thoughts on this procedure?

Second opinion on small bulge above incision? (Photos)

Is a flat tummy achievable with a tummy tuck? Is there a difference between diastasis and muscle laxity? (Photos)

Tummy tuck after botched liposuction?

Would I be able to get a flat tummy with a tummy tuck and why does my tummy protrude? (Photos)

Seroma treatment? What are my options? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS