Bleeding Incision After Tummy Tuck

Question

It's been about 10 days since my Tummy Tuck and I haven't had any issues that haven't been answered except that I was using a back brace since my back was hurting so bad and the doctor said it was okay.

	However, today, I noticed a spot where the tape over my incision line was bleeding. Is this normal and am I doing too much?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It sounds as if the irritation of the suture line caused the bleeding. As long as the wound has not opened or is demonstrating increased redness or swelling, I do not beleive there is cause for concern. Make your surgeon aware. Occasionally a light application of peroxide, if permitted, will cleanse the dried blood.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Tori70, thank you for your question regarding bleeding at your incision site after a tummy tuck.

At 10 days post-tummy tuck, it’s not uncommon to experience some minor bleeding or oozing from the incision sites, especially if you're using a back brace that might be putting pressure on the area. However, it’s important to differentiate between minor bleeding and more serious issues.

Minor bleeding or spotting can occur as part of the healing process, especially if the tape or dressing over the incision has shifted or if there has been some friction from the brace or clothing. This can be considered normal. You might notice small spots of blood on your dressing or tape, which can be due to normal healing processes or slight trauma to the area.

However, if you notice the following, you may be doing too much or there might be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed:

Continuous or Heavy Bleeding: If the bleeding is persistent, heavy, or doesn’t stop with gentle pressure, it could indicate a problem.
Increased Pain or Swelling: Significant pain or swelling around the incision site, especially if it’s worsening, could be a sign of infection or other complications.
Signs of Infection: Redness, warmth, or discharge that’s yellow or greenish in color could indicate an infection.
Excessive Activity: Overexerting yourself too soon after surgery can put strain on the incisions and underlying tissues, potentially causing bleeding or other complications.
Given your situation, it’s important to follow these steps:

Rest: Ensure you’re not overexerting yourself and follow your surgeon’s recommendations on activity levels.
Monitor: Keep an eye on the bleeding. If it remains minor and stops, it’s likely not a significant issue.
Contact Your Surgeon: If you experience any of the concerning symptoms mentioned above or if you’re unsure about the bleeding, contact your plastic surgeon immediately for advice.
Your surgeon may want to see you for an examination to ensure everything is healing properly and to rule out any complications.

Good luck with your recovery, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding bleeding after a tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Sometimes the small skin edges ooze or bleed when you remove the tape.  It sounds like this might be what is happening.  However, if you are concerned, you should see your doctor for an evaluation.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have a small part of the incision open up a bit and bleed. Increased activity can be a factor in this as well. If it was a small amount of bleeding and the wound is intact, you should be fine. As usual, check in with your surgeon about this.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although your concern is understandable, superficial separation of the incision line after tummy tuck surgery can occur and usually heals without  affecting the long-term outcome of the procedure.  This healing process may take a few weeks to occur. Usually, re- suturing is not necessary and may expose you to the risk of infection…Close follow-up with your plastic surgeon (and patience) will be important. Sometimes removal of an exposed suture and/or removal of unhealthy tissue expedites healing. Best wishes;  hopefully you will be very pleased with the long-term outcome of the coming of procedure.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Regarding: "Bleeding Incision After Tummy Tuck
	It's been about 10 days since my Tummy Tuck and I haven't had any issues that haven't been answered except that I was using a back brace since my back was hurting so bad and the doctor said it was okay. However, today, I noticed a spot where the tape over my incision line was bleeding. Is this normal and am I doing too much?"

	Surgeons tape skin to minimize the pull on the incision line. However, in my opinion, this often results in more problems than the limited benefits it provides. Traction on the wound results in the tape pulling on the skin causing blisters and minor bleeding. In some cases, especially in darker skinned individuals such areas can become hyper-pigmented.

	I seriously doubt this is a complication but I would mention it to your surgeon and see if he wants to see you earlier than your scheduled appointment.

	Dr. Peter Aldea

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

There is a difference between bleeding and blood stained ster-strips. If it is just blood stained, this is more than likely normal.  If it is more than that, you should speak with your surgeon.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. Patients undergoing this procedure should understand that there is a significant recovery process. It is normal to have swelling, bruising, or a small amount of bleeding or drainage from the incision early in the healing process. If you have more than a few drops coming from the wound, make an appointment with your plastic surgeon to be evaluated as soon as possible. They will share your concern and want to see it to make sure that your healing without a problem.

	To learn more about tummy tucks, see photos, and help you decide which one is best for you, please visit us at the link below:

Peter C. Haines, MD · Answer

Since you mentioned it is only a spot along the incision line that you noticed some bleeding, it is probably normal. However, be sure to be following your physician's instructions on your post surgical limitation with activity.  It is common to feel better and start to do too much too soon but remember your body is still healing from surgery.
I instruct my patients not to lift more than 10 pounds for 6 weeks following abdominoplasty surgery and not to resume sexual activity for 4 weeks.
If you notice signs of infection (fever, warmth to the area, increased redness, yellow or green drainage from the incision, etc) or the areas of bleeding increase, definitely call your physician.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Seems that you are having an excellent recovery so far. It is not uncommon to have a little bleeding from the wound. It is always prudent to check with your doctor to make sure that the wound integrity is intact.

Bleeding Incision After Tummy Tuck

Answers (10)

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