LEARN, SHOP & CHAT ABOUT PLASTIC SURGERY, BEAUTY AND ANTI-AGING
Member Login
All






Ask-An-Expert  >  tummy tuck, thigh lift, liposuction  >  Wound Vac Healing ...


Ask-An-Expert

   
Default User Photo
jp3girl
,

 
Wound Vac Healing after Tummy Tuck
tummy tuck, thigh lift, liposuction

I had a Full Tummy Tuck, Thigh Lift and Lipo done on 05/10. Everything has been going smoothly , however, I noticed a SMALL spot above my pubic area that would not close. (there was constant clear/yellow tinged fluid coming from it, but it did not start draining until after my 3 week mark. Dr. stated that it was a seroma that ended up just being too close to the incision, so it was coming from it. My scar and incision looks flawless, other than this super small spot.

I will say that it's probably 1/8 cm width by maybe 1 - 2 cm depth (based on the qtip that was inserted in me).

I now have a wound vac put on the spot for it to heal quicker. I go back in Friday for a dressing change, etc.

I am just curious.... For a wound of this size... about how long would i expect before this heals? how long would approximately would i have to continue with a wound vac or dressing change?


Doctors/Professionals Only
 Regular Users/Non-Professionals
  Notify me when a doctor/professional or regular member answers this question
  Notify me only when a doctor/professional answers this question
Doctor/Professional Answers (3)   

drgrossman


Plastic surgeon
New York, NY
United States
View My Professional Profile 		 
June 6, 2012 1:24 PM

If you were my patient, I would tell you to get out there and do whatever your body allows. Increase protein intake and vitamins, exercise and you will heal in no time.
Good luck. (more)
Is this answer helpful? 1        0
Login to Vote


drgrossman


Plastic surgeon
New York, NY
United States
View My Professional Profile 		 
June 6, 2012 12:49 PM

A great deal with healing depends on your health, age, diabetes, smoking history and so on. If the opening is above the center of the incision, it may take a couple of months to heal.
Its (more)
Is this answer helpful? 0        0
Login to Vote


docblinski


Plastic surgeon
Miami, FL
United States
View My Professional Profile 		 
June 6, 2012 3:54 AM

Though you write an excellent description of the issue, over the internet very hard to advise in length of time for this situation to correct. My GUESS a few weeks to a month but I have (more)
Is this answer helpful? 0        0
Login to Vote


Learn more about tummy tuck, thigh lift, liposuction

Member Comments (1)

jp3girl
  
June 6, 2012 1:18 PM

About me... Good Health, No diabetes, 35 years old, 5'5" - 152 lbs.

The opening was actually ON the incision not above it. The Dr. had to extend the opening on the incision line, just b/c the hole was too small to pack with anything without doing it.

The wound vac seems to be helping a lot. I got it Monday around 2:00 pm - and I have been a little over 100 ml since Tuesday, with VERY little fluid in the "hose". I am hoping that means that healing is taking place on the inside...

Just new to all of this, and hoping I can get this thing off soon.... I want to get out and exercise, and get back to my normal active lifestyle :)

I attached a pic... it's that small little opening right below the belly button on the incision line... This pic was taken at 1 week post op...

Attached Media

Photo:



 



 

Welcome to the Ask An Expert section of our website! Our network of board certified physicians can answer any questions that you may have regarding plastic surgery, skin care, dermatology and other conditions. Popular topics include tummy tuck, liposuction, rhinoplasty, acne scars, facelift, breast augmentation and more. This frequently asked questions section is opened to everyone and you need to set up an account with Makemeheal before you can ask your own question. This service is absolutely free and is available to those who are interested in learning more about a particular cosmetic procedure, treatment or product.

Before asking a question, we recommend you to browse through our existing collection of questions and answers to ensure that the question you want to ask have not already been answered by our highly experienced experts. This will help you save time and get an answer more quickly. When asking a new question, we recommend you to be very detailed so that our experts could formulate a more precise & professional answer.

Of course, this service is not a substitute for a doctor visit or a consultation with a plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist. The answer you will find here only serve as initial directions of thoughts and not as specific instructions. You should remember that it is utterly important to consult a skilled specialist prior to scheduling any type of treatment in order to get acquainted with possible contraindications. Only a one-on-one meeting will enable your cosmetic surgeon to properly evaluate your condition, conduct examinations and explain their results.