Am I doing something wrong? Incisions of tummy tuck have opened? Will this heal normal? (Photo)

Question

I just had a tummy tuck 18 days ago and 1 week ago at my PS took the staples out and saw that part of my incisions have opened up. He did not seem concerned. I have a giant hole in my mid incision that is not healing and it is still bleeding a lot of blood. I have been putting non stick gauze on it and wearing my compression garmet. I also air dry the area as well. I'm not a smoker and am very healthy. Will this heal normal? I'm afraid I will have a giant gash on my belly.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello Mandie. I'm sorry to hear about your wound complication. Wound delays and open wounds after tummy tuck are not uncommon and if managed promptly should lead to a reasonable outcome. You need better therapy than just "air dry" your wound. You need to talk to your PS ASAP for evaluation and instructions. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO.

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

Tummy tuck procedures are surgical procedures which may involve post operative complications. Complications may include infection bleeding hematoma, delayed wound healing or wound opening at the closure site.Close follow up with you board certified plastic surgeon is advised.

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Wound healing problems occur from lack of blood flow to tissues. This can happen for many reasons, but luckily, it usually heals well. You have lost a superficial area of skin, which generally heals better than losing when you lose both skin and fat. Every surgeon has different strategies for wound healing. What you are doing now is fine, and as long as you stay in touch with your surgeon and avoid infection this will heal without additional surgery. Scar revision may or may not not even be needed, but if it is, I'd wait at least 6 months to even consider it. The more your tissues soften, the better your final result will be.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and sorry for your struggles.  I am glad you are not a smoker as this would have made the wound difficult to heal.  Keep seeing your plastic surgeon regularly for wound management.  Once healed, give the scar sometime before considering any revision surgery,  Good Luck.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. It appears that you had some wound healing issues resulting in skin loss in the lower abdomen. There are many factors that can contribute to this but the issue is how you will heal. It will take several weeks to months to close with topical wound care then you will be able to revise the resulting scar. After this you can talk to your plastic surgeon about the next course of action. All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Am I doing something wrong? Incisions of tummy tuck have opened? Will this heal normal? (Photo)

Answers (10)