Incision opening post abdominalplasty

[lark60 431]

So I had the arms and abs done 2 weeks ago. My arms are healing great. At the 1 week check up the surgeon pulled the drains and said I had an area on the back part of my 360 abdominal incision that had opened. He said it would need packing 2 times a day till it heals in. Today the wound area seems deeper than last week. Now it is 2 inches across the incision line and seems at least an inch deep. I have been doing the dressings as instructed and know the area can get bigger before it starts to heal, but am still bummed at the prospect of MONTHS of wound care. And the antibiotics are zapping my strength.

Just needed to vent.

[sbg224 318]

I do not know what insurance you have, but you should tell doc you want to be referred to a wound specialist, it can be a nurse, does not have to be a doctor, but get a handle on it now before it gets worse. You should not have to do the wound care management yourself. I have been a homecare RN for over 20 years, and I have seen these wounds before, and seeing a nurse who specializes in this is best. Maybe you qualify for a nurse to go to your home, ask your insurance and then demand from doc he writes prescription for it., just my opinion, good luck, they can get worse quickly.

[Elode 8,093]

@@lark60 Unfortunately a deep wound is going to heal from the inside out so It takes longer. Hang in there!!

[BethinPA 305]

I ended up needing stitches to aid the wound healing because it was so deep, so if you notice a big difference in the depth, I would call the doctor and have him or her take another look at it.

[kranky813 477]

Not to be the scary one here but watch this VERY VERY carefully! My mom had a wound like this after stomach surgery and when she would call/talk to her surgeon he just said to pack it and rest. It got so bad and infected that they had to do another surgery (different doctor) and it took almost an entire year to heal. She has a horrible scar on her stomach and lots of scar tissue underneath.

Take this very seriously and if you feel like your doctor isn't giving you proper care or not being aggressive enough get a 2nd opinion or go to a specialist.

Best of luck!

[MichiganChic 3,262]

That is a bummer, sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, it's not that uncommon. I had an area on my backside/hip area that opened a week post op. It took 4 months to heal, and it was fairly superficial. I still have a scaly wide scar there. These things heal from the inside out, and so nutrition and meticulous wound care are critical. I had to increase my calories to get min to heal. It does get old in a hurry, but once healed, I still thought it was worth it!

[Mountaingal 322]

Wound care clinics are the best. They help so much and you are being overseen all the time. If you have one near you see if you can get a referal.

[JoannLz 62]

I has a 360 done as well im almost 2 month out. I was concerend when i saw a small opening right at the middle of my crack.. i was terrified. But it wasnt to deep dr just said to cover it up and lots of rest no bending or streching. And i did. Im all closed up now. It wasnt to big maybe less than half an inch but it was still scary. Hope you get better.