My tummy tuck incision sutures split open 14 inches. Why weren’t I hospitalized? It was severely infected (Photo)

Thank you for your question.It is hard to determine the extent of the wound through a photo, an in person evaluation would be better.  In the photo you posted, the wound does not look infected. The edges are red and there is some skin necrosis, that is the black tissue. Inside the wound there is granulation tissue, which is pink/yellow in color. I would personally manage this wound as an outpatient, I would not admit to the hospital.

 Thank you for your question and providing a photo. Not all complications require hospitalization. Based on your photo you will require good wound care and may require returning to the OR. You should keep in close contact with your PS Best of luck

Not sure.  I would need more information to help with this question. There are many variables to consider.  If there is active infection then you need to have this taken care of with antibiotics through the IV and perhaps surgery to removed dead tissue like i see in the photos that you put up.  Sometimes this can be done as an outpatient basis but I would need more information to better help you.  Good luck with your recovery.

HI fenyes,   Usually this can be treated with local debridement in the office and after the wound is relatively clean, a wound vac can be placed. It is annoying to have it for awhile but it can save you from going back to surgery. It also is the best way to be sure that the wound is clean and ready to be closed.Please keep in close contact with your surgeon as he/she should be supervising this wound care.Good Luck,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Dear Feneyes007, You have a wound dehiscence (your wound opened up) and will require close and frequent follow up with your surgeon. Not all open wounds are infected and even if it were, not all infections require hospitalization. Please keep your wound clean and follow your surgeons instructions. This may require more surgery and can take weeks to months to heal fully. Good luck. Dr. Gervais.

Dear fenyes007,this type of wound complication can occur after tummy tuck. It is usually caused by poor blood flow or smoking. Your wound should be cleaned and necrotic tissue should be removed. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I'm sorry you had issues with your incisions after surgery. Typically wound care can be handled at home with detailed instructions and follow up with your surgeon. Only your surgeon can answer why you weren't hospitalized, but if the infection was localized and didn't require IV antibiotics or continuous observation she/he may have felt comfortable managing it outside the hospital.

once the pus and material drains out, patients do quite well with wound care and oral antibiotics if needed.  You were not hospitalized because it was not medically required and it would have cost you a lot out of pocket since insurances do not cover for complications from cosmetic procedures.  If your procedure was for some reason covered, a hospitalization could have been done but it would have only been for a day or two.  Your wound will need a lot of TLC, serial debridements, and even consideration of the wound VAC to expedite healing... but you will heal with time so you must be patient and you should follow your surgeons instructions.  Attempts at re-closure should be avoided unless you have so much skin laxity, that the entire open wound could be excised to create fresh, well perfused edges.

You have wound opening that may happen with a tummy tuck and is usually taken care of with wound care and antibiotics if an infection were present.  Continue to follow up with your PS.

Hi darling, thank you for your question!I recommend consulting your doctor because this wound may get worse. It doesn't need hospitalization if its treated carefully but it is not normal to see tissue necrosis unless that you were smoking after or before surgery.Hope this helps!Dr. Jimenez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.